HANGING baskets and flower tubs in Upton are not paid for through the council tax, despite a recent suggestion to the contrary.

According to Eric White, of the Upton in Bloom Committee, around 90 per cent of the £7,500 cost of the baskets, tubs and flower-filled boats was met through fundraising and contributions from local firms.

He said small grants from Upton Town Council, Malvern Hills District Council and a charity totalled £1,200 last year.

Coun White was responding to a Coun Mary Wilkinson who was quoted in last week's Malvern Gazette as saying the flowers were paid for by local people through their council tax.