North West Leicestershire District Council has responded to criticisms from Labour councillors that unkept flower beds create the wrong impression to visitors to the town.

The councillors said the areas were are due to the budget cuts made in February and add that they have received complaints as a result.

Since then, the council has announced Coalville in Bloom, and installed 10 tower displays and 13 hanging baskets across the town with the financial support of Jelson Homes.

Cllr Michael Wyatt, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, responded to the earlier criticism.

He said: "As part of the process to balance the budget, the previous Cabinet made some changes to services.

"This included switching to wildflowers instead of planting traditional bedding flowers as well as seeking funding through sponsorship for Coalville in Bloom.

"Coalville in Bloom is a project I have championed over many years which has made a real difference to the town.

Coalville has looked colourful in Memorial Square in previous years. Photo: Coalville Nub News

"We will continue to monitor these changes and will take feedback on board ahead of the next budget review.

"We are fully committed to making our town cleaner and greener for everyone and will work with organisations and voluntary and community groups to make sure Coalville is as colourful as we can make it."

The council has also emphasised that:

• Wildflowers were planted in the beds in Coalville Park by local primary school children earlier this year

• Choosing wildflowers as a cheaper option reduced the council's spending from £20,000 to just over £4,000

• Flowering beds not funded through sponsorship at Memorial Square, Hotel Street, Forest Road, Broomleys Road junction, Greenhill Road Junction and Market Hall are maintained every two weeks.