An attempt to brighten up a Wirral cul-de-sac with flowers has fallen foul of the local council. Residents of Corfu Street in Birkenhead have turned the closed end of their street into a garden area with hanging baskets and pot plants. Their efforts received a warning from Wirral Council who said the plants had to be taken off the public highway.
The council has now begun a consultation over its future following a residents' campaign to keep it. Resident Denise Harvey hit on the idea when she was fed up with the "grim" look at the end of her street. "I started off with a few potted plants just under my window," she said.
"Then it came along by the kerb and it just sort of carried on, so I thought I would put them out for everybody to enjoy," added Denise. The neighbours got involved and soon the wall at the end of the street was painted and covered with ornaments, flowers and pot plants. Another resident Sue Gatick said it had cheered up their street. "It's nice when it's summer as the flowers smell lovely," she said.
Hundreds of people have signed a petition while more than 500 have joined a group backing the display on Corfu Street on the social media website Facebook. "The support we have had has been fantastic," said Ms Harvey. People from other parts of Birkenhead have dropped off more plants and flowers. Wirral Council said the garden may be able to continue provided it was licensed.
The council is also beginning a consultation process with all residents of Corfu Street and neighbouring Claughton Road over its future.
