The Castle Street Area Society which funds Christmas decorations, flags and flower planting could be closing after 28 years.

The leaders of the society, which was founded in 1987, can no longer run the group and have yet to find someone to take over.

Chairman David Hannent, 69, is stepping down after suffering a heart attack two months ago. He has now semi-retired from his business PMC Chartered Surveyors, and is also vice-chairman of Dover District Council and a member of the Rotary Club of Dover.

This has meant he needs to step back from his commitments to the society.

He said: “Castle Street has been a prime business street in Dover and will be severely affected by the changes that are now taking place.

“There won’t be any organisation helping the businesses in that area. I’m sad about it.”

He said it isn’t just about making the area look nice and maintained but also giving businesses a voice in the area, tackling issues over parking and making sure everyone knows about the DTIZ developments.

Treasurer Adeline Reidy, 74, is also stepping down from her post.

She said: “I think the time has come for me to step back a bit. It’s quite a big work load and it’s the cost too.

“This means the prime business street in Dover will be less glamorous and welcoming to visitors without the flags and flowers but also that community association will be lost.”

Part of the group’s role has been to provide flowers for the 14 baskets along Castle Street in the summer and festive displays.

She said keeping the flowers watered takes up time and effort but she doesn’t want to see it disappear like in Market Square.

Ms Reidy said the “big issue” is the difficulty in finding people to water the flowers in summer. It was hoped Dover Town Council would buy a water bowser but this has not happened.

Ms Reidy added: “The sad news is with the decline of local grants and assistance, unless someone comes forward, there are no plans for any further displays.”

The Christmas displays have been put up and will be taken down in January.

The pair are appealing for someone to take up the posts and continue the group. They have asked members and other organisations but have had no responses so far.

n For more information or to help save Castle Street Area Society call Mr Hannent on 07968915859.