Coalville councillors say they have received complaints about unkept public flower beds in the town centre.

The Labour representatives have claimed they are bare due to the budget cuts made by North West Leicestershire District Council in February.

They have pointed out there is no summer planting to enhance the street scene and welcome visitors from outside the town.  

A statement says: "The 'Coalville in Bloom' tub planting is developer-funded. 

"This money is only available for this year's summer season. Later in the year – and for years afterwards – the beds will be bare and unwelcoming." 

Coalville's Labour Councillors have praised the council's Parks Team for doing their best with a reduced budget.  

The councillors believe that residents who pay their council tax should not have to rely on uncertain begging-bowl funding from developers, or other external funders, to keep the town looking tidy and welcoming. 

They have called for a permanent solution and a re-prioritisation of the way residents' council tax is spent. 

Cllr Sean Sheahan, Labour Group Leader, said: "I share Coalville's disappointment.

"The Council takes little interest in providing a colourful town centre street environment.

"Elsewhere in the district, where our Town and Parish Councils look after parks and public spaces, planting and grass cutting is kept up to standard.

"This is why I am supporting the process of bringing back local decision making for local needs, through a Parish or Town Council."

Cllr John Geary added: "The lack of planting and care around the Clock Tower and War Memorial to the Town's fallen is a snub to their memory and shows that the council cares little about its history."

Cllr June Page said: "Our town centre needs to look welcoming and not only to residents. 

"It is just as important that we show the town's visitors that we care about our history and the environment.

"Colourful planting in public spaces makes the area look cared for and brings peace to folk who want to pay homage to their lost family members".

Cllr John Legrys said: "We have been approached by organisations who want to find volunteers to purchase and maintain the Town Centre flower beds but in a busy town centre the flower bed planting needs daily maintenance."

North West Leicestershire District Council has been contacted for comment on this matter.