THE committee formed to keep Saltash blooming - in a bid to ensure that the town is an attractive place for people to visit - say they face a difficult future without increased backing.

The dwindling numbers on the Saltash in Bloom committee have been depleted due to age, health or other commitments, and warn they can no longer carry on their outstanding work without help and support from the Saltash community.

They have highlighted the fact that they have worked tirelessly to brighten up the town over over ten years, but now want to hand over to others who have the same love for the environment of Saltash.

They have received plants and plant materials over the years from Saltash town council, and have further raised many thousands of pounds from other sources, such as the Highways Agency, Caradon council, the County Highways and local firms which has enabled them to improve a number of areas which were in 'a very bad state environmentally.'

The fact that help is desperately needed will be stressed at their annual meeting on Monday June 18 at 7.30pm at Saltash Lower Guildhall. The committee said: 'We look forward to seeing other volunteers and councillors willing and able to either physically help, or give moral support.'

The Bloomers have tried to maintain the area at Saltash train station since l995, and have made numerous calls and letters to various bodies asking for assistance with tidying this area. They point out: 'In the meantime we have ensured that the shrubs and bushes etc are regularly trimmed and tidied, but no funding has come from Wales and West railway.'

Other areas they have attended to are Somerfields roundabout where funding was obtained to landscape it and plant it with drought resistant plants; Latchbrook roundabout where items have been stolen on two separate occasions; Jubilee and Boatman Greens where boats have been painted and planted; and the decoration of St Barnabas Hospital chapel at Christmas.

In Fore Street three boats have been planted in the area at the bottom of the street; hanging baskets have been provided; Regal Court troughs have been planted with spring and summer bedding plants; and numerous letters and calls have been directed to Caradon council regarding the litter problem and damage to the planters. However, they stress that without help such schemes will be impossible to maintain.