NORTON parish councillors have refused to pay Doncaster Council for their "sub-standard" hanging baskets, despite a 50 per cent price slash.
Following the Newsletter's revelation that folk were not happy with the "puny greenery" that replace
d their usual flower filled baskets, after DMBC supplanted its local supplier, Norton were made the reduced offer.
A parish council spokesman said: "Doncaster Council asked us to pay £1,520, instead of the originally quoted £3,040, and we discussed the matter at our last meeting.
"Members were still not happy however, and we wrote back to the Council saying we would not accept the offer."
It emerged that Doncaster Council has itself requested a 50 per cent reduction to their fee for the poor quality floral displays from new supplier Darlington Council.
"If there were enough interest we would get grant help and a group together to make our own baskets, but that would depend on people coming forward," said the parish council spokesman.
Villagers hope Doncaster may return to its original supplier, Bentley Nurseries – in which case the parish council would be happy to resume their former agreement.
Jane Miller, Doncaster Council's Director for Neighbourhoods, said: "Following an extensive procurement process in 2007, Darlington Council supplied the 2008 floral decorations throughout the borough.
"The council supplies various parish councils with their floral displays, some of which have expressed disappointment with the standard of their displays.
"These concerns have been raised with the supplier, Darlington Council. Negotiations have taken place, resulting in reductions of 25 per cent of the total contract price. Further discussions are planned to ensure similar problems do not occur in future years' floral displays.
"Ongoing discussions are being held with the parish councils whereby these reductions can be passed on, and will continue until an amicable arrangement is agreed.
"The Council endeavours to support local businesses wherever possible by ensuring that the tender processes it follows are fair and transparent to all.
"However, European and UK regulations with regard to the letting of public contracts prohibit councils from discrimination on the grounds of geographical location. Therefore it is not lawful to specify that contractors must be based in the Doncaster area."
