Lib Dems slam Council on Norfolk Square Flower Stall decision

12.01.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 16th Jul 2005

Lib Dems Dawn Davidson, David Watkins and Paul Elgood in Norfolk Square

Liberal Democrat Councillors Dawn Davidson (Regency) and Paul Elgood (Brunswick & Adelaide) have slammed the Council for its decision to stop the current Flower Stall from trading in the Square.

The Councillors will be presenting a petition from residents against the decision at Thursday's Full Council Meeting.

In a joint statement they said:

'We simply cannot believe the Council's decision to stop the Lady Orchid Seller from trading in Norfolk Square, This outlet has been critical in leading the successful regeneration of the Norfolk Square, working in partnership with traders, residents, the Police and the Council. Indeed, the Council thought it was so successful Tony Blair even paid a visit. How on earth then can the Council encourage the stall into the Square, use them as a catalyst to help make improvements and then after all the hard work has been done tender for the site and take a higher bid for the site? The Council should have tendered at the very first stage, but then of course that was when the site was not so attractive and indeed not so valuable. This is a crass decision by the Council and we are pressing the Council's Chief Executive to act against this wrong. If this is their idea of partnership working with the community, then they've got another thing coming.

Cllr Paul Elgood, Lib Dem for Brunswick &Adelaide Ward

Cllr Dawn Davidson, Lib Dem for Regency Ward