Thirsk Town Council has been accused of a negative attitude towards the Britain in Bloom competition.

Frustrated volunteers from Thirsk in Bloom attended a meeting of the council to ask for more action as they prepare for the spring judging.

They feel a lack of effort by the council is undermining their efforts.

At the open forum, discussion became heated after volunteers criticised the council, particularly about the Whitemare roundabout which one member, Tony Jordan called the "nightmare roundabout".

"Unless something is done to make it look better, we will have to steer judges away from it and miss showing them the glorious array of flowers down Ingramgate," he said.

"The council promised two years ago that something would be done, but here we are at stalemate. It needs weed treatment if nothing else."

He said help was also needed with fallen trees, graffiti on the town clock, untidy corners and other areas where the group was not allowed to work.

Councillor Derek Adamson, chairman, denied that the council was not supporting the effort.

"We are supporting to the tune of £4,000," he said.

County councillor Jan Marshall said: "Just because you do not see things happening, does not mean the council isn't doing anything.

"For instance, in Long Street, we now have 14 large planters ready to be planted up and placed. Surely this demonstrates council commitment to the environment. We haven't been in a competition like this before. We are trying to do what is asked."

Coun Roger Mallett, who took over planning work on the roundabout four months ago, said delays in carrying out the work had occurred because several people and organisations had said they were interested, but had later backed out.

The council said it would pull out all the stops to try to get the required work done in time.