From Kay Laverty.
IN relation to the reduction of public costs, as a member of a Parish in Bloom Committee I have observed at first hand the effects of cutting back on manpower on the gardens and areas around our ‘jewel in the crown’, Gorey Castle.

There is no longer time or money to plant attractive beds of flowers except at a minimal level. Low-maintenance grasses and shrubs are used instead (boring if used to this extent). The weeding and maintenance of all the areas is sadly neglected, the edges of grassed areas are no longer trim-med. Weeds and brambles proliferate in lots of areas.

The roadsides, pavements and verges are all allowed to grow weeds. Not enough rubbish bins are provided in certain areas. This is obviously happening in lots of other areas around Jersey and is detrimental to the impression it has on visitors and locals alike.

I know that there is no bottomless pit of money, but with further cuts anticipated this cannot be allowed to continue. We must try to get back, I feel, to our previous high standards.

As a group we are working hard (as are the other In Bloom groups) to improve areas in our parish, and this is bolstering community spirit — another aspect the States wish to achieve. So we are doing our part, and we need the States to do theirs.
17 Les Parquets,
Maufant Village,
St Martin.