The Knaresborough Post, Patricia Ann, Zoom, Windsor Court and Ripon Travel, all on the High Street, have been told they can’t have them, as the premises are next to zig zags at pelican crossings.

Every year businesses, through the Chamber of Trade, pay for hanging baskets, which are then provided by Harrogate Borough Council.

According to the council last year the men watering the baskets were told North Yorkshire Police would possibly prosecute anybody watering the baskets from the zig zags, as there is not enough visibility for people wanting to cross the roads.

Paul Darley, Co-ordinator for the hanging baskets for Chamber of Trade, said:”I find it regrettable that the Chamber’s wish to augment the efforts of Knaresborough in Bloom in improving the appearance of the town in general seems to have suffered a setback.”

Sgt Mick Ramshaw from Knaresborough Police Station sympathised with the problem.

He said: “Last year following a complaint by a member of the public, CCTV footage showed the road obstructed by council vehicles parked on zig zags whilst watering hanging baskets.

“We have spoken to the council about this and are now pleased to confirm that we have reached a compromise for next year which is that hanging baskets will be put up and taken down at the properties whose premises are next to pelican crossings if they want them but the businesses concerned will have to water their own baskets rather than risk council employees getting a fine whilst they water them.”