WORCESTER will not be entering the Britain in Bloom competition this year due to cutbacks.

Despite winning a Silver Gilt medal in the UK-wide competition last year, the Faithful City does not have the resources to enter again this year.

Staffing cuts in Worcester City Council's parks section mean the manpower is not available to do the work required to stand a chance of winning a medal.

The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Robert Rowden, called it "another case of central Government letting Worcester down".

The prestigious Britain in Bloom competition is the latest casualty of budget cuts in the city, which have included the reduction in grant to the Swan Theatre and the closure of the Museum of Local Life, in Friar Street.

Ian Yates, parks and cemeteries manager at the council, said Worcester was "taking a year out" from the competition which has been a medal-winner in for the past three years.

"It has been well publicised that there's been cuts at the council," he said.

"Manpower in the parks section has been reduced. If we were going to improve our performance to get the gold medal, there's more work we need to do, and we haven't got the staff to do that work.

"We want to get the gold, we know what we need to do to get the gold, but we are not able to do that this year. So, we are taking a year out to consolidate and plan for next year."

Coun Rowden said it was a great shame and pity Worcester would not be entering the competition.

"Unfortunately, we've had such a poor revenue support settlement we're in trouble," he said.

"On top of this, we're landed with increased National Insurance contributions for all our staff. It's another case of central Government letting Worcester down.

"They give us the absolute minimum revenue support grant and burden us with fresh taxes all at the same time. It's a great pity - our displays have been wonderful."

Mr Yates stressed this year's Worcester in Bloom competition, which is supported by the Evening News, would run as normal. Activity for the city-wide gardening competition was due to "kick off" in May, he said.

"The Worcester in Bloom Association continues to run its very successful gardens competition," he said.

"There's still a lot of people doing a lot of work in the city. It's just the city council can't contribute as much as it usually does."