Uncertainty Over Village Hanging Basket Display
3 June, 2026
Treeton Parish Council regrets to inform residents that this year’s hanging basket display has been delayed.
The hanging baskets are already in production and ready for installation. However, the Parish Council has been left with no option but to wait for structural stress testing to be completed on the street lighting columns where the baskets are traditionally displayed.
The issue stems from a requirement introduced by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) in September 2025, requiring lighting columns to undergo stress testing before hanging baskets, Christmas lights or other attachments can be installed. Despite the requirement being introduced last year, Parish Councils across the borough were not informed until April 2026, just weeks before the baskets were due to be installed.
Cllr Rachel Rowbottom, Vice Chair of Treeton Parish Council, commented:
“We are extremely disappointed that this year’s hanging basket display may be delayed and there remains a possibility that some baskets may not go up at all. The hanging baskets are a real highlight of the summer and make a significant contribution to the appearance of the village. Unfortunately, given the late notification of these requirements and the risks involved, the Parish Council had no choice but to wait for the necessary testing and permissions to be completed.”
The lighting columns are owned by RMBC and permission is required before anything can be attached to them. RMBC’s position is that hanging baskets are not their asset and therefore they are not responsible for arranging or funding the testing. However, councils cannot install baskets without RMBC’s consent, and that consent is dependent upon evidence that the required stress testing has been completed.
The Parish Council carefully considered its options. Proceeding without permission could result in enforcement action, removal costs, potential insurance issues and liability in the event of an incident. Given these risks, the Council concluded that it would be irresponsible to proceed.
The Parish Council has formally requested that RMBC undertake the stress tests and has submitted the information needed to begin the process. RMBC has offered to contribute 75 percent of the testing costs but has advised that timescales cannot be guaranteed.
The hanging basket display represents an investment of approximately £5,280 plus VAT and remains an important feature of the village each summer. Hobsons, the Council’s supplier, has confirmed that the baskets will be held until installation can take place. However, because these requirements were only communicated in April, after the annual order had been placed, the Parish Council is likely to remain liable for some or all of the costs even if the baskets cannot be installed. The Council is therefore exploring alternative ways to use the baskets within the village should they be unable to be hung.
There is also the possibility that some lighting columns may not pass the stress tests. Should this happen, it may not be possible to install baskets on those columns this year, particularly if replacement infrastructure is required.
It is understood that discussions are taking place regarding potential weight restrictions, which may restrict the size of baskets that can be used in future. RMBC were scheduled to meet on 3rd June to consider the hanging basket arrangements and next steps.
This issue is affecting Parish Councils across the borough and discussions with RMBC are ongoing. The Parish Council is hopeful that the testing process can be completed as quickly as possible and will continue to keep residents updated as more information becomes available.