People have raised concerns over the excessive checks required to hang floral displays and other seasonal decorations on street lamps in Rotherham.<\/p>\n
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council voted unanimously to \u2018cut the unnecessary red tape\u2019 that hinders communities from celebrating key seasonal events like Remembrance Sunday, Easter and Christmas with decorations.<\/p>\n
A single lamppost check could cost around \u00a350 for some areas.<\/p>\n
Adam Carter, Brinsworth Councillor and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said the additional costs are \u201cblockers\u201d to local identity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cIt really frustrates me because at a time where civic pride is having a real spotlight in our country, we\u2019re having unnecessary bureaucracy. It makes me quite angry that we can\u2019t do things like, put poppies up around [during] Remember Sunday and hang baskets.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cllr Carter said hanging baskets might not be up in time for summer due to the quoted \u00a350 assessment fee.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The safety checks ensure that the decorations won\u2019t cause the lamppost to fall down.<\/p>\n
The tests are also important for the installing CCTV and speed monitoring signs to ensure public safety and deter crime.<\/p>\n
Rotherham Council met at a full council meeting on 22 April 2026.<\/p>\n
They realised parish councils and volunteers face a \u201cfinancial burden\u201d from these costs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The council also highlighted the inequality between more affluent areas and poorer councils in celebrating these events.<\/p>\n
Cllr Carter said Brinsworth residents are \u201cfrustrated\u201d by the delay in putting up the decorations.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201c[Decorations] are one of the things that makes Brinsworth a really nice place to live and work.<\/p>\n
\u201cResidents are really worried that what has been a good thing, and is one of the many things that makes people want to live in places like Brinsworth, could potentially not happen in future years.\u201d<\/p>\n
The council wants to apply a more \u201cproportionate and supportive approach\u201d in assessing the safety of lampposts.<\/p>\n
Other councils like Lancashire City Council don\u2019t charge for structural tests if applied for 10 weeks in advance. <\/p>\n
Hoyland Remembrance and Parade Group in Barnsley initially cancelled a display of 350 wooden poppies in the town centre for Remembrance Sunday 2025 due to tighter council guidelines.<\/p>\n
The display eventually went ahead after Barnsley Metropolitan Borough council decided to review lamppost decorations on a case-by-case basis.<\/p>\n
Main image credited by Stock Medae\/Adobe Stock<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t Post Views: 29
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