A wee lamppost problem is solved

It was feared that a number of metal lampposts in Saltburn, could have been too unstable for floral hanging baskets, having been weakened from corrosion by the acidic effects of dog urine.

Chris Villiers, operations manager of the Roch Services Ltd which tested the stability of the lampposts, said: "Dog urine is a really serious problem. Lamp posts often become unstable in a dog-walking area.

"Another problem is the sea salt from the air."

A spokesman for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said: "The single reason we are testing the lamppost columns is to see if they are strong enough to withstand the extra weight of a full, floral hanging basket.

"We are not saying the lampposts are structurally unstable.

"We have committed £500 towards the testing and called in Roch Services to ask them to help us."

Saltburn in Bloom co-ordinator Jackie Taylor, said there had been some concerns by other people after last summer's attempt to kill off the town's Britain in Bloom efforts.

She said: "Hopefully we will be able to put the baskets up as normal for the summer judging.

"We are very grateful to Roch and the borough council for their help because it would cost our organisation around £1,000 to have all 20 lampposts tested."

Roch Services tested 12 metal lamp posts in Saltburn and the company has confirmed that all 12 are safe to hang floral baskets from.

The remaining eight lampposts, which are concrete posts, were not tested by the company.

Ms Taylor was one of many delighted people when the news was announced.

Last summer, the town, fell victim to a saboteur who poisoned water for the town's flower displays.

Saltburn was named best small coastal resort in last year's Northumbria in Bloom and judges visited the seaside town last week for the competition's Spring judging.

Volunteers have been out in force over the last two months clearing litter and tending to various floral displays.