Parish Hanging Baskets

"Many residents look forward to the parish hanging baskets each summer, and we understand how much they contribute to brightening our local area.
Unfortunately, there will be a delay to this year's installation.
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) has recently advised that all lamp posts used to support hanging baskets must first undergo independent structural (stress) testing, in line with requirements under the Highways Act. This is to ensure that columns are safe and suitable following issues identified in other areas.
This requirement was introduced later than expected in the year, which has created challenges for parish councils across Rotherham in arranging testing and confirming suitable locations in time for the usual planting and installation period.
RMBC has now appointed a specialist contractor to carry out the testing, and we understand this work will be undertaken as a priority. However, until the testing is complete, we are unable to confirm which lamp posts can safely support hanging baskets or provide an installation date.
At this stage, we remain hopeful that hanging baskets will still be installed this year, although there may be some delay and a small number of locations could differ from previous years.
We appreciate that this will be disappointing and thank residents for their patience and understanding while these necessary safety checks are completed. We will provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, we hope you continue to enjoy the other floral displays and planters across the parish."