Plans in place to ensure Northumberland continues to look blooming lovely

Annually, the council plants in the region of 200,000 flowers in towns and villages across Northumberland.

During spring, thousands are brought out of the council’s nurseries to brighten up the county and reinforce a great sense of pride in our communities.

Among the most widely used flowers are geraniums, begonias and marigolds, with staff working to ensure a mixture of heights and colours across the thousands of beds and planters it looks after.

All of these plants were either grown or ordered before the current restrictions came into effect and are now available to be planted out.

This year, with strict coronavirus restrictions in place, careful consideration has been given on how to do the work while maintaining social distancing, as it is crucial staff and the public are protected.

A number of additional control measures have been brought in for grounds maintenance staff.

Grass cutting has continued across recent weeks, with staff changing their working practices to ensure social distancing.

Both the mowing and the flower planting is helping ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for people to get out and enjoy the fresh air during their daily exercise.

Coun Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services, said: “We know keeping our towns, villages and roadsides well maintained and attractive is important during this difficult time.

“Our floral displays can bring real health benefits - really lifting people’s spirits and sense of well-being when they are out taking daily exercise in their local area.

“We’ve carefully considered this work and have decided we can implement changes to working practices that safeguard staff and the public, so we are able to continue with our planned summer bedding planting programme in many of our parks and, where agreements are in place, on behalf of town and parish council and other partners.

“I’d also like to thank the staff for all their hard work and commitment for enabling us to provide this service.

“While this planting will certainly brighten up the area we must remind residents to stick to social distancing requirements and comply with the restrictions on avoiding all unnecessary travel.”

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