Flower power proves a hit as Hartlepool is set ablaze with colour

Hartlepool Borough Council’s flower seed planting programme was launched two years ago along the A689 leading in and out of the town.

Since then it has proved to be so successful that council bosses decided to extend it across the town.

This year, planting has been extended to 37 locations giving more people the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful array of flowers.

The new locations for this summmer include Burn Valley Gardens, Lanark Road, Kilmory Walk, Elwick crossroads and a number of sites along West View Road.

Displays can also be found at Clavering Park, Marina Way, Rossmere Park and Seaton Carew Park.

Residents have already taken to social media to praise the wildflower meadows, expressing how greatly appreciated they are to the public and the environment.

Barbara Bruton said: “Just wanted to say thank you and well done for all the wildflower verges around Hartlepool - what a great idea.

“I imagine it cuts down on maintenance for a while and we reap the benefits of a beautiful sight.”

Pamela Morrell emailed the council to say: “They are a delight to behold and I’m happy to see even more flower displays planted this year than last.”

Councillor Marjorie James, chairman of the council’s neighbourhood services policy committee said: “The wildflower planting scheme has been so well received by local residents and people visiting the town that we decided to extend the planting again this year.

“Last year, the amazing displays of wildflowers proved to be one of the main talking points throughout the town and I’m delighted that we have already received some very positive feedback this summer.

“The council works very hard to make best use of its limited resources to make the town as attractive as possible, but planting schemes like this have other environmental benefits as they play their part in helping to protect honey bees, butterflies and other insects.”