CREWE'S flower power has been declared best in the North West - but did those Britain in Bloom judges have their eyes closed when they looked at displays in Market Street?

Traders and shoppers claim the high sided planters at the heart of the shopping centre are 'a blooming disgrace'.

The offending foliage spills over the raised beds around the historic three lamps.

"Instead of enhancing the area which contains some of the town's most prestigious shops these hideous displays are an eyesore," said Hallmark Reflections card shop owner Philip Nield.

"In other areas the floral displays are nice. A great deal of time and money is put into our bid for Britain in Bloom honours and it's great that Crewe is once again a regional top town. But I can only think that the judges had their eyes shut at this point. We would surely get black marks for such a bedraggled collection of plants," he added.

Mr Nield claims that the displays have not been tended throughout the whole two years he has been calling for action.

"They are just a mess, with leaves spilling over on to the seats for shoppers.

His feelings are echoed by other traders and shoppers.

"I certainly wouldn't call them attractive. They're a bit of a mess, being overgrown and somewhat neglected," said one passer-by.

Letter writers to the GUARDIAN have also asked how Crewe managed to clinch the Best Large Town award. Dead and struggling trees on the Market Square and lack of grass cutting have featured in their criticisms.

But council spokeswoman Kathryn Hough says the fact that Crewe was in contention for a national Britain in Bloom award spoke for itself.

"The judges didn't think our displays were awful. Whilst the plants are still flowering we won't be cutting them down. But once they have stopped flowering they will be cut right back for the winter season," she said.

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