Citizen gives £8000 to Forres In Bloom
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THE TOWN'S most renowned volunteers have been donated equipment worth £8000.
Forres In Bloom (FIB) have accepted a sit-on mower from burgess and former Forres Citizen of the Year, Colin Lipscomb to alleviate the effects of Moray Council cuts on grass cutting in the area.
FIB secretary Sandra Maclennan confirmed the group was overwhelmed by Mr Lipscomb's generosity and his commitment to many local groups.
She said: "At present, we cut round the flower beds in Grant Park but the lawn mower's 48 inch cut will enable us to do the whole area.
"We are still trying to get details of what will be left uncut at the park - the council will cut the football pitch, cricket pitch and play area but we have no detail of how large the areas will be."
She added: "We are trying to liaise with the Lands and Parks department to look at small areas throughout the town. Some of them are having a strip cut along the edges. Perhaps we could exchange some of these areas so that the whole area is cut?"
Mr Lipscomb made the huge donation to support the town's biggest tourist draw - something he claims the local authority has stopped doing.
He said: "I care for the town and its attractions. Moray Council are not supporting tourism in Forres by withdrawing parks and gardens maintenance and closing the Falconer Museum - both great tourist draws - and by closure of public toilets.
"Because the local populace have been cutting their own patches of grass, or not, the public spaces resemble a patchwork quilt, which is not a great tourist attraction.
"As far as Grant Park is concerned they only appear to be cutting the area associated as playing fields for Anderson's Primary."
He added: "Forres in Bloom are doing a great job keeping the floral habitat looking great and it is my concern that Moray Council will continue to let them take responsibility, taking advantage of their concern for the town.
"I would like to know how much the rates are going to be reduced now that the parks and gardens commitment has been reduced?"
