LAST week saw yet more fisticuffs among the flower beds in North East Lincolnshire.
Following their dispute over the giant saucy seaside postcards erected in the summer, Cleethorpes In Bloom chairman Bob Callison and council leader Chris Shaw have squared up in a new row – this time about alleged political interference in the area's successful In Bloom campaigns.
Councillor Shaw wants to replace the two council officers who currently sit on the committees of the In Bloom groups in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham, with an elected Cabinet member – his deputy Mick Burnett. Mr Callison says that will turn In Bloom into a "political tool" – and his counterparts in Grimsby and Immingham agree.
Describing the proposal as a "draconian term and condition", he added: "If we don't agree to what he wants he is not prepared to support us. I call that nothing short of blackmail."
Mr Callison was also rather disparaging about Councillor Burnett's horticultural knowledge, exclaiming: "You show me one portfolio holder that knows the difference between an oak tree and a monkey tree and I will eat my hat, whereas an ecology officer would."
Councillor Shaw hit back by saying: "As a partner of In Bloom we expect to have a seat at the table."
But it would seem he is not holding out much hope, adding mischievously: "I have heard the comment that it is easier to get into the Freemason's than it is to get onto the Cleethorpes In Bloom committee. It's ludicrous."