Floral tribute will keep on blooming for all to enjoy

The town hall agreed to lengthen the planning permission for the stunning display in the Cherries Community Garden until October.

Residents had taken to social media in force to ask the local authority to keep the message thanking health service employees and other front-line workers for their vital efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Originally only temporary planning permission had been given to erect the big floral signs, meaning volunteers would have had to start dismantling it this week.

Now, though, residents will be able to see the bright, colourful structures for a few months more.

Dozens of messages were left online by Wiganers describing how the silk flowers had brought smiles to many faces during lockdown.

With the region experiencing local measures to combat rising case numbers and concern some people also felt it was a bit too soon to take down the floral display.

The Friends of the Cherries Community Garden, the not-for-profit group which manages the green space under licence from Wigan Council, said it was thrilled by how popular the flowers had been.

Director Clare Kenyon said: “We are delighted with the impact it has had on people. It makes them feel happier when they see it or drive past it. People have visited the garden to see it and had a lovely experience during this difficult time.”

Wigan Central ward representative Coun Lol Hunt also backed the extension.

He said: “I think it’s appropriate to keep it in place for a bit longer to keep people’s spirits up. That’s important during the pandemic.

A council spokesperson said: “We’re more than happy to support the group’s request for a further extension so everyone can continue to enjoy the beautiful sculpture which pays tribute to all those who are still working hard to keep our borough running through this pandemic.”

The floral message, which was installed in May, was the work of six florists from across the borough inspired by a similar display outside a hospital in London.

The project was sponsored by businesses NR Barton Accountants and Aport, while Jewsons provided materials.