AS FLOWER beds across North East Lincolnshire are removed to cut costs, Immingham has more floral displays than ever before and is saving taxpayers thousands of pounds.
Immingham Town Council has taken over responsibility for grounds maintenance from North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) for three years following a successful trial in 2012.
It is the first town council in the UK to do so and will save NELC more than £10,000 each year. NELC continue to fund the work but will save money as, previously, council employees were sent from Grimsby and spent up to two paid-for hours each day travelling.
Dave Jackson, clerk to the town council, said: "Immingham will look better than ever this summer.
"The people doing the work live in the town and as a result they really care about what it looks like."
The town council already employed a cemetery keeper and two multi-skilled grounds staff who have now had their roles extended.
Mr Jackson added: "The cost-saving means we've been able to put in four or five extra flower beds this year.
"Taking responsibility for our own maintenance budget also means we've been able to attract private funding. All of the beds on Pelham Road are now sponsored."
Councillor Mick Burnett, portfolio holder for Tourism and Culture, said: "Our arrangement is a prime example of how we can all work together to make savings while still delivering good-quality services."
NELC is in talks with Healing, Laceby, New Waltham and Waltham, in the hope of delivering similar schemes.
"Immingham Town Council has taken over street cleaning and grounds maintenance duties from the council for three years with the option to extend it for a further two. We need to save £370,000 from the grounds maintenance budget."
