It appears that the decision that York would not enter the Britain in Bloom contest this year was only taken in July.

The City has already been entered into the competition.

The decision was taken in private with no report on the implications being published.

Neither residents nor those involved in Britain in Bloom at a community level were consulted.

The village and neighbourhood entrants are however understood to continuing with their entries. Judging is underway.

Offers of voluntary help to organise the City’s entry were snubbed.

The late withdrawal meant that no other Yorkshire City was able to enter to represent the county.

It appears that the decision was a panic move taken only days before the Britain in Bloom judges were due to visit the City.

Although the Council says it may enter again in the future, it could take 5 years or more to build up the momentum needed to be awarded the Britain in Bloom City title.

Meanwhile the decision to squander £75,000 a year on advertising at Leeds Bradford Airport has been “called in” for reconsideration. The review meeting will take place on Monday 16th September. The agenda can be found by clicking here.