2,000 back Oswestry florist's fight over flower displays
All she wanted to do was brighten up the space in front of her shop. But Oswestry florist Wendy Hughes fell foul of rules after being told they could cause an accident.
Today says she has been overwhelmed by the support she has received. More than 2,000 people have signed a petition calling for The Flower Gallery to be given its permit to have an outside display in Bailey Street.
But almost eight months after she applied and paid £50 for the permit it has still not been granted.
Mrs Hughes moved to the new premises half-way down the part-pedestrianised street from the top of Bailey Street last year. Her old shop was known for its outdoor displays and she wanted to do the same at the new premises.
She said: "People have always complimented us for the displays we had at the old shop and we never had any complaints about them."
She applied for a permit in November and after contacting Shropshire Council to ask for progress in January she was given a notice to display in her window for a month saying she was applying for a permit. But during a visit from a council officer Mrs Hughes was told the ground level displays contravened new regulations and should be at table height.
"Common sense did not prevail. I pointed out that things could fall from tables, blow over on the wind and that it could be dangerous for children," she said. "I am happy to put in a 'tapping board' for blind people, which I think would be safer that a rope slung at waist height."
A petition was started for the Flower Gallery to be given its permit, which has been signed by both locals and visitors to the town.
"People are coming in just to sign the petition, we have had lots of lovely support," Mrs Hughes said.
"All the other shopkeepers in Bailey Street have been re-issued with their permits without any problems. It seems that because I have a new premises and am applying for a new licence I am being seen as a test case."
Paul McGreary, Shropshire Council's head of public protection, said: "As part of the consideration of permitting the use of pavements, pedestrian and road safety are of paramount concern. We need to ensure that the pavement is still safely usable by pedestrians particularly those with mobility issues, visual impairment and pushchairs. Where there are concerns over a specific pavement use we would work closely with all concerned to achieve a fair outcome."
