THE Minehead in Bloom Committee has hit out at West Somerset District Council's decision not allow a street collection at Seaward Way on July 15.

The environmental protection and licensing committee refused the application last week on the grounds that the organisation is not a registered charity.

Minehead in Bloom has been trying to recoup money lost after the withdrawal of a major sponsor.

Traders in Mart Road had pledged £320 towards the fund which involved drivers being 'held up' when trains on the West Somerset Railway forced cars to stop at the level crossing.

Collectors had planned to ask motorists to contribute to the cost of floral displays in Minehead but, with the collection turned down, the committee fears promises of donations to the 'Highway Robbery' may be lost.

Chairman of Minehead in Bloom Cllr Martyn Snell described the decision as a "real bombshell".

"We realised that we were not a charity but, as every penny we raise goes into floral displays for the benefit of the residents and visitors to the town, we had hoped that our district councillors would have used the discretion they have in the matter.

"My committee and I will now have to decide where to cut our floral displays by about £1,000 this year."

The council's policy is to prohibit unregistered organisations from collecting money except in exceptional circumstances.

In April, the League Against Cruel Sports was refused permission to collect money on the same grounds.

But permission to collect has been given this year to Minehead Gala, the National Anti-Vivisection Society Ltd, Compassion in World Farming Trust and Compassion in World Farming Ltd.

Cllr Snell said it was sad when so many people had worked hard to make Minehead look so wonderful.

"I hope the district councillors on this particular committee, and especially the ones elected by the people of Minehead, can explain to their electors why they have taken such a decision.

"Let's hope also that more of those in business in Minehead and particularly the representatives of our larger national businesses will feel they can contribute to help with the shortfall."

l This week sees the beginning of the judging of the local floral competitions while around the town the displays are beginning to take shape.

Anyone willing to contribute to Minehead in Bloom is asked to contact the Town Hall in The Parade.