Keep the flowers – but not at our expense!

Published: 06 August, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

ONE of the borough’s most influential businessmen and benefactors Paul Morris spoke out this week against plans to axe Islington’s popular floral displays.

And he warned the Labour-run council it shouldn’t expect the borough’s biggest charity Islington Giving – which he helps run – to come up with funding for the scheme. 

Mr Morris, is the man behind plans for City North a multi-million redevelopment scheme for Finsbury Park that will include 355 flats, shops and offices. His family founded the Business Design Centre at the Angel.

He spoke out as the council intimated that savings from cutting hanging baskets would be more in the region of £140,000 rather than £35,000 that was suggested last week.  

Speaking against cutting the displays Mr Morris, chairman of FinFuture, said: “The quality of the environment is what makes it worth getting up in the morning.”   

He added that hanging baskets particularly around Holloway Road and Blackstock Road helped regenerate often run-down areas.  

Mr Morris said: “They help to improve the perception for people who live or work or pass through. I know the displays only come out at certain times of the year but it is a time when people are outside and can appreciate them.” 

Mr Morris understood the need to make cuts but not something that so manages to enhance the environment to such great effect. “There must be reductions that can be done without this level of impact,” he said.  

As reported in the Tribune last week council leader Catherine West thought that Islington Giving might help fund the baskets scheme. 

Mr Morris was doubtful: “Islington Giving’s remit is very different. Money from this charity is directed in other urgent areas,” he said. 

David Twydell, chairman of the Chapel Market Traders’ Association, also spoke out against plans to remove the displays. He said: “They brighten up the borough and the market and add a bit of colour.”

Deputy council leader Paul Smith blamed the Government for forcing the council to cut things that are popular in the borough.

“It is worth noting that a number of flower baskets will survive as they are paid for by other organisations,” he said. “Regarding the rest, we are going to talk to traders, town centre managers and other local organisations to see if they would be interested in continuing the flower baskets. 

“The funding confusion comes from the fact that the previous Lib Dem administration did not want to put a true figure on the price. The line in the budget only reads £37,000. However officers were encouraged to take money from different pots to make up the full £140,000 figure.”