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Published: 31 July, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

AWARD-WINNING flor­al displays – Islington’s version of Kew Gardens, according to one fan – could still be saved. 

Labour council leader Catherine West has pledged to seek alternative funding for the displays – a week after announcing plans to axe them.

Opposition Lib Dem councillors and residents are appalled at the loss of the colourful roadside displays and hanging baskets to save less than £40,000. 

Traders argue that the “magnificent” displays have “magically” transformed traffic-choked main roads, including Holloway Road from Archway to Highbury Corner, and down Upper Street to Angel.  

Holloway Road solicitor Peter Stewart, 56, said the displays had transformed the area. “The displays cheer you up on a grey day. It’s our version of Kew Gardens,” he said. “They bring colour to a grey, concrete area where noise and traffic are relentless.”  

Arlette Dunn, from fashion store Viviene of Holloway, agreed. “It just makes the place so much nicer,” she said. 

Lib Dem councillor Tracy Ismail called on the ruling Labour group to save the flowers but cut the council’s controversial “propaganda” magazine Islington Now which costs more than £200,000 to produce. 

Cllr Ismail said: “Hold a consultation. Ask the public what they would prefer. Do they want hanging baskets that brighten up our main streets or a magazine which merely reports how wonderful the council are?” 

Already businesses in Angel have decided to club together to ensure the area around Camden Passage and Upper Street continues to have floral baskets.

Cllr West said she was duty bound to find cuts ordered by the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government but hoped that, in the case of hanging baskets, private and charitable finance would come to the rescue. She added: “I’ve received some representations about the hanging baskets and I know that people like them. They do make the streets look pretty.

“We’re taking away the £37,000 for the scheme because we also have to look after vulnerable children. But we are actively appealing to businesses and charities to help keep the scheme going in their areas.” 

But Cllr Ismail said that the flowers made everyone feel good. She added: “For years, Lab­our accused our party of publishing the ‘propaganda’ Islington Now magazine, which only presented positive things the council are doing. Now Labour have the opportunity to close the magazine down. Are they doing so? Not on your life. They are just rebranding it and beefing it up.”   

Cllr West said she would be appealing to Islington Giving, the charity aiming to raise £3million for the borough, to finance the floral decorations.