by Graham Tutthill

gtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

Dover town centre will not be as colourful this year - because of the hosepipe ban.

The town councillors have suspended their plans for floral displays throughout the town after being told by the water company that they cannot water the plants from the mains water supply.

The council had been working with the disrict council to deliver hanging baskets through the town centre as well as railing baskets along York Street.

"Unfortunately, due to the water restrictions in place and notification from Veolia that any watering of plants from mains water is strictly prohibited, we have, with great disappointment had to suspend planting for this year," said former Mayor Cllr Sue Jones.

"We don’t currently have access to any recycled water which is the only legal form of watering at present, although we are now investigating innovative ways to collect water for next year should restrictions continue.

"It’s a devastating decision for the council especially after all the effort put in so far. However it is unlikely that the necessary restrictions on watering from the mains will be lifted over the next few months.

"Dover Town Council has to abide by the restrictions and not plan for costly floral displays which cannot be watered. We are still looking at other ways to brighten the town centre this summer but without thirsty plants."