The roundabouts on the A96 bypass could be better maintained claim Forres In Bloom

A group of volunteers, appreciated throughout the area for making the town look beautiful, has requested that a national body better maintains prominent roundabouts on its bypass.

Forres In Bloom (FIB), which currently takes care of the roundabout at the Victoria Hotel that is covered in flowers and shrubs, have renewed their calls made nearly three years ago to also look after those on the A96 at the Findhorn and Waterford junctions.

FIB secretary, Sandra Maclennan, confirmed the group has been in touch with engineering contractors Amey - responsible for the north east trunk roads network for Transport Scotland - to see if this can happen.

She said: “Contracts are agreed for a set period. We do not know the terms of the present contract or when this may be reviewed. This will be the focus of future discussions with Amey.

“We also seek local input about future plans.”

Amey undertakes cyclic maintenance of the roundabouts.

A spokesperson said: “We will happily work in conjunction with FIB to ensure that the roundabouts are kept to an acceptable standard.

“We are aware of the excellent work that FIB undertake and will liaise with them to offer any support that could enhance their efforts.

“Unfortunately we cannot hand over maintenance responsibility as we are contracted to maintain them.”

Sandra raised the issue at a meeting of the Forres Green Spaces User Group where it was suggested that the three roundabouts feature low growing and a variety of colours that suppress grasses.

She said: “I am hopeful that something may come out of the Spirit of Community project.

“FIB looked after the roundabouts in the past but stopped after a lorry went through one and a car through another. We were told by previous contractor BEAR that we would need cones, high vis etc to carry on.”