Exploring GB

Weston-super-Mare's stunning floral clock display has been covered in concrete.

The display has been an iconic landmark in the town since 1935.

The concreted area is now expected to be used for a painted mural with some planting around it — but there are no plans for the clock to be restored as it was.

Volunteers from the Weston Lions, a charity which provides a range of support to the community through service and fundraising, have been looking after the clock for the last 15 years.

However, they said they could not maintain the flowers any longer.

It’s estimated that around 20,000 plants were being planted every year and they were all maintained.

The charity says they’re in a place now where they ‘just don't have that money to spend on it’ and added that ‘it's difficult to think of a way forward.'

The charity was started by Bryan Fowler in 1968 and has grown in strength year by year.

Unfortunately, Bryan sadly passed away in 2020 but his memory and passion in the Lions lives on in the club

President of the club, Chick Parkin, was recently interviews by the BBC.

He said: “Over the last three years we found it harder and harder to look after the clock.

”We put out a plea last year for people to come out and help us water it, but only two people reacted to our cry for help.”

A local council spokesperson said: "North Somerset Council was not given notice that work was planned, and, as landowner, we did not give our permission for work to be undertaken.

"We appreciate the hard work of the Lions volunteers over many years and look forward to finding an acceptable solution."

The freshly laid concrete has already reportedly been vandalised.

Reacting to the news on social media, someone said: “That is such a backwards step, I remember visiting the flower clock as a child.

”We used to go to Weston every year and it was one of the things our parents always brought us to see.

”I'm sure with more thought it could have been saved.”

Another person added: “That is brutal. Didn't even have permission from the council.

”I understand it's difficult to look after, but this is where the council should have stepped up to help, not everything should be maintained by volunteers.”

A joint statement from Weston Lions and North Somerset Council on the future of the floral clock will be released soon.

Weston-super-Mare

Weston-super-Mare is a seaside resort, located on the Bristol Channel coast at the gateway to the South West.

It boasts one of the largest naturally occurring beaches in the UK; it is a long, sandy beach that has a high tidal range.

Many events are held on Weston-super-Mare beach and seafront throughout the year.

In addition to the sand and sea, Weston-super-Mare beach has many traditional seaside occupations to offer: donkey rides, children's rides, the Grand Pier and The Bay Cafe, located at the former iconic Tropicana Lido.

Weston has lots of places to grab a traditional seaside fish & chips, candy floss, donuts and ice-cream.

But there are many restaurants offering a variety of international cuisine and traditional fare is right along the seafront and in the town centre - just a five minute walk from the seafront.

There are also many beach front shops that sell postcards, kites, buckets and spades all well positioned along the clean and tidy promenade.

It’s a lovely place to explore if you get the chance!

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