A COUNCILLOR has apologised to traders after they were asked to remove decorative plants from the outside of their shop.

John and Ann Coxon, directors of Leggs Fashion, installed two small trees in the doorway of their shop on Skinnergate, Darlington, in a bid to improve the appearance of the street.

However on Monday, July 22, the pair were asked by Darlington Borough Council to remove the shrubs.

The council also asked the owners of Guru Boutique, on Blackwellgate, to remove flowers from outside of their store front.

Both retailers posted their dismay on social media explaining the plants had been put there to attract visitors to the town.

Yesterday morning, Mr Coxon disputed the request saying the shrubs added ambiance and vitality to the high street.

He said: “What we need is more activity and interest and this is one of the things that’s going to promote the town centre."

While Guru posted on Facebook: "Awww, such a shame. We have to take our greenery and plants in.

"We only put them out to try and brighten the street up and I'm sure they don't pose a hazard but I can understand that planning rules have to be adhered to."

That afternoon Councillor Paul Howell, cabinet member for leisure and local environment, visited the two retailers to reassure traders the plants could be kept outside.

Cllr Howell said: "We very much want this town to be open for business and didn't see this to be the right message at all.

"I found out about the noise on Facebook as to what was happening and the first thing I did was sort it out.

"It was a case of officers doing what they are trained to do and in this case they hadn't been given enough flexibility, but we certainly want this town to be a vibrant place for visitors.

"I went to Guru and Leggs to assure them the plants can stay there.

"We very much as a cabinet applaud what people at Guru and Leggs are doing to bring out improvements and I can only apologise for the way in which this happened.

"We really want to try and do good for Darlington and we want to do everything we can to help traders in the town."

A Darlington Borough Council spokesperson said: “As part of our current policy businesses have to apply and pay for a licence to have items outside their premises on a public highway.

"This is so, during the application and consultation process, we can ensure items do not obstruct or cause any access issues for anyone using the town centre.

"This is why some town centre businesses have this week been asked to remove items and advised of this process.

“However, taking into account feedback, we will be working closely with the businesses in question in the coming days to find the best and most sensible way forward for them.

"It’s really important we have a licensing process in place so we can make sure our town is as accessible and safe as possible.

"With this in mind we will soon be reviewing this licensing process to make sure it is still fit for purpose in the future.”