Ramsey Town Commissioners are going to reduce the number of hanging baskets in the town centre.

Hanging baskets requiring maintenance by the local authority will be removed, with the exception of some displays at gateways to the town.

The commissioners have written to traders to say they can take responsibility for maintaining baskets outside their own premises for now, so they may remain in place until after the Manx Grand Prix.

Commissioners' chairman Captain Nigel Malpass says, ‘At a time of budgetary constraints the lead member for parks and leisure has led a review of how we can best channel our resources to the maximum benefit of the town.

Hanging baskets have been maintained free of charge but given that major regeneration and building works are taking place in the town centre, the displays' impact is being considerably reduced.