A community group has slammed the council for not planting flowers around the cenotaph in Great Harwood ahead of this year’s war commemorations.

Ian Wilkinson, chairman of Friends of Memorial Park (FoMP) said it was a ‘very distasteful decision’ and that councillors should be ‘ashamed’.

It comes after the Observer reported last month how bedding plants would be withdrawn from all Hyndburn parks due to budget cuts, a decision prompting FoMP to cancel their annual Prom in the Park.

Mr Wilkinson said: “I find this decision very distasteful in a year when all over the country services of remembrance are being held to honour those who served us.

“It is the first year since 1921 we have had no flowers in the park.

“The Royal British Legion are to hold two events shortly around the cenotaph and the flower beds are a disgrace.

“The councillors should be ashamed. They are just playing politics by blaming central government.”

Flowers around the Cenotaph at Memorial Park in Great Harwood. Picture taken in 2016 without the flowers.

Ward councillor and cabinet portfolio for finance Gareth Molineux said they have a ‘legal and moral duty’ to protect statutory services.

He said: “I agree fully with Mr Wilkinson’s view that it’s a very distasteful decision, but unfortunately we are facing shrinking budgets and tough decisions have to be made.

“Decisions such as the beautification of our parks have to be taken extremely seriously and this decision was not taken lightly.

“We have to make practical decisions and we can’t continue to fund the parks as we have done in previous years.

“We are not playing politics, we are dealing with the reality of shrinking budgets.

“As always if they (FoMP) reflect and decide to do something in the park then I am prepared to help fund that through by county council member’s grant as I have done in previous years.”

Flowers around the Cenotaph at Memorial Park in Great Harwood. Picture of flowers in 2015.

Coun Molineux confirmed that Church Lane – the road leading to the cenotaph in Memorial Park – will ‘finally be resurfaced’ after a four-year campaign – albeit not until after the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.

Coun Molineux said the works will help ensure ‘safe passage for veterans and the town’s residents to pay tribute to soldiers that gave their life for us’.

He said: “It’s fantastic news that Church Lane is to finally be resurfaced.

“This year will see lots of parades around the borough remembering the fallen soldiers that gave their life during the world wars to protect our freedoms.

“Church Lane is an important road which is used to parade to the cenotaph each year and it’s only right that the people that fought or supported the war effort are able to parade safely without fear of tripping and falling.”

Church Lane is to be resurfaced between Friday, July 1 and Monday, July 25.

The road with be temporarily closed to allow the resurfacing works to take place.

Diversions are being put in place on Granville Road, Allsprings Drive and Hindlefold Lane.