Money to the tune of £2,200 was agreed for essential Flora Day equipment when town councillors met last week.

Helston Town Council agreed to cover the full cost of a two-person JCB safety basket (man cage) saying it could also be used for putting up Helston Christmas Lights and other events in the town. 

The equipment allows high-up items such as flags and light displays to be put up safely, without the need for long ladders. 

Martin Wallis of Helston’s Flora Day Association applied for a grant of £1,500 to purchase the new basket.

In his application, he mentioned that the current safety basket which is used by volunteers, was made 20 years ago by Helston and St Keverne Young Farmers. In recent times, the basket has become ‘rusty’ and ‘unsafe’ to use.

Falmouth Packet: A picture taken in 2021 of the basket being used to put the flags up for Flora Day A picture taken in 2021 of the basket being used to put the flags up for Flora Day (Image: Stock)

Mr Wallis explains that with more stringent safety measures in place, the association would need a new basket which complies with these regulations.

At Helston Town Council's latest full meeting held on Thursday (February 15), John White spoke to councillors on behalf of Mr Wallis who couldn’t make the meeting. He said: “The cage we have used for the last 20 years has certainly come to the end of its shelf life, and I have brought some photographic evidence for you to look through at your own time.

“And so, you’ll see that it gone beyond the state of repair now and so this is why Martin has made this application for a grant.”  

Following Mr White’s presentation, the council members shared their thoughts on the application, and whether funding should be given.

However, it was revealed that the cost of a replacement basket was higher than anticipated and the exact amount was £2,220.

Falmouth Packet: Each year,volunteers erect the Flora Day flags and Christmas lights using the basket place on top of a JCB Each year,volunteers erect the Flora Day flags and Christmas lights using the basket place on top of a JCB (Image: Stock)

Councillor Mike Thomas suggested that the council support the application, however, questioned if the equipment could be funded by an alternative source such as council reserves instead of a grant.

Cllr Damien Willey added that he has experienced being in the basket first-hand. He said: “I’ve been up in one of those cages throughout my career.

“Looking at those photographs I am appalled and shocked that we are still putting people in those cages in that state.

“It does need to be replaced and needs to be replaced before Flora Day.”

After further discussion on ways that the council could support the application, the council agreed that it is willing to purchase and own the equipment for the flags on Flora Day and Christmas Lights in Helston and the offer will be extended to the Flora Day Association.