National stores in Maldon High Street are letting the whole town down because of their lack of community spirit.

Peter Nickolls, chairman of the town council's Maldon in Bloom working party, says the absence of co-operation from many of the larger chain stores could seriously affect Maldon's chances in a countrywide competition.

Businesses in High Street have all been asked to consider having hanging baskets outside their doors and, in return for a donation of £30, to contribute towards the cost of the basket as well as fixing, watering and supplying plants.

But because the budgets of companies like Barclays Bank, Woolworths, Boots and the Post Office are controlled by central headquarters, they have to ask for the cash to take part.

And set policies mean Maldon in Bloom workers have been hearing lots of "sorry, but no's".

Mr Nickolls said: "There are several big businesses that are not participating, but you notice it in particular as you look up the High Street there is a big gap where there are no hanging baskets between Barclays and Woolworths.

"It is a shame they are just leaving it all to the smaller local companies to take pride in their surroundings."

Spokespeople for Barclays, Boots, Woolworths and the Post Office all said individual branches were unable to take part in local initiatives due to budget restrictions.

Published Thursday June 17, 2004