Weston-super-Mare floral clock restoration underway

The council have taken action after an outpouring from the community to restore the much-loved display

Work to restore a "landmark" floral clock display is underway, with contractors removing the concrete slab that was poured over the flowerbeds.

Weston-super-Mare's Lions club had been maintaining the town's much-loved floral clock for the past 15 years.

It said it could not maintain the flowers any longer and decided to pave it to make it easier to look after.

North Somerset Council, who own the land, will now uncover it and look into more "sustainable planting" options.

The first stage will see the recent concrete covering removed by Glendale, North Somerset Council's ground maintenance contractor, and is expected to take around three days to complete.

The Weston Lions Club decided to make the floral clock "easier to look after"

Councillor Mike Solomon said: "From the feedback we've received from residents, we can see how much the floral clock means to the people of Weston-super-Mare.

"By using our grounds maintenance contractor to carry out the work, we can get it done within our existing budget."

Once the concrete has been removed, the council will assess whether any additional improvement work needs to be done to prepare the area for planting.

He added the authority are working to deliver the "best plan" for the area, including working together with the Lions Club to arrange future maintenance of the flower beds.

The floral clock was built in 1935

"We're considering planting schemes for the clock, and are keen to bring in sustainable planting where possible," Mr Solomon said.

"We're also in the planning stages of a pilot scheme to improve the green space in Alexandra Parade as a whole, and the floral clock will be a vital part of this."

Mr Solomon expressed his gratitude to the local community for their offers to sponsor the clock and volunteer for its restoration project.

"It's great to see the community rallying together in support of such a popular landmark," he added.