THE OWNER of the Four Seasons Garden Centre in Darwen has issued a response to claims that the town must rely on volunteers to water the flowers.

Sonia Butler, who has owned the garden centre since April, said: “I have the contract with Darwen Town Council to plant and water the bedding plants.

“The contract does not include the hanging baskets around the market as there is a watering system that usually does it, but it is broken at the moment.

“I have nothing to do with them as I am not willing to put my hanging baskets there without a working watering system.

“It is only the hanging baskets that need watering.

Cllr Roy Davies said: “When we arranged the contract with Sonia it was clearly understood she would not water the hanging baskets.

“She does a great job, however Darwen Town council must foot the bill while Blackburn have theirs paid for by Blackburn with Darwen council.