MALVERN may improve its chances of getting a good result in the 2006 Britain in Bloom competition if a proposal to refurbish four gas lamps in the town is given the go-ahead.

Town councillors are to discuss whether to spend £570 on giving the lamps in Rosebank Gardens a facelift in time for this year's contest.

Malvern Hills District Council is currently refurbishing the gas lamps it owns in the town centre and now the town council is considering following its lead.

Town clerk Richard Chapman: "We did not know that Malvern Hills District Council was going to do theirs but it will look a bit odd if they do theirs and we don't do ours. It will make our's look a bit tatty.

"The town council is promoting the Britain in Bloom competition so it would be good if we could get the gas lamps done in time for it."

Members of Malvern Town Council Operations Committee will discuss the overspend at a meeting on Tuesday, July 18, and make a recommendation to the full council.