COUNCILLORS have asked supermarket giant Waitrose to think again about sponsoring hanging baskets in Dorchester.

Members of Dorchester Town Council’s management committee debated an application by Waitrose to become involved under its Community Matters initiative.

But councillors said that the baskets scheme was also operating successfully and suggested the company provide another facility instead.

Councillor Tony Lyall said: “The town council is very proud of the hanging baskets and does a good job.

“If the Waitrose signs go up on them, people will think that Waitrose are doing them.

“I don’t see any benefit.”

Waitrose suggested various levels of involvement, including a £200 fee towards the upkeep.

Coun Robin Potter said: “We are pleased that they have made the offer.

“But perhaps they could put in a flower stand in the corner of the arcade or a bench.

“They could put in something extra rather than something which already exists.”