Iconic taxi not from your taxes

THE iconic horticultural taxi that forms the main part of Oldham’s Bloom and Grow entry didn’t cost taxpayers a penny.

A public question criticised the display and enquires about the cost, but Councillor Barbara Brownridge said the Hackney carriage was donated and work carried out by volunteers.

She added: “The view that the display is rubbish is not a common one and the Bloom and Grow project is about more than plants.

“It is about the community and businesses working together. This is something the judges applauded when they came to assess our entry this week.

“We have won the regional title five times and the national one twice. It is fantastic to see co-operative working in action — that is the key element of the whole thing.”