SHOP owners are to be asked to pay towards the upkeep of next year's Bromyard in Bloom entry.

In 2002, the bloom committee took responsibility from Bromyard and Winslow Town Council for buying and caring for the plants.

Coun Gill Churchill, speaking as secretary of the committee, asked the council during its meeting on Monday (August 18) for another grant, worth £6,694, to maintain its work for next year's competition entry.

However, some councillors felt that ordinary taxpayers should not be expected to foot the bill.

Coun Brian Johnson said: "It's the businesses in Bromyard that are meant to benefit from Bromyard in Bloom. I just feel the businesses should feel rather obliged to help."

The council agreed to offer the money as long as the bloom organisers ask traders to help.