Funding for a longstanding tradition that brightens up Great Yarmouth and Gorleston has been cut.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston In Bloom has stopped competitions and its floral displays following a cut to its grant by Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

For 18 years, the council supported the local In Bloom association with an annual grant of around £15,000.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Gorleston High Street will not have hanging flower baskets this year due to cuts to In Bloom's budget. Picture - James WeedsGorleston High Street will not have hanging flower baskets this year due to cuts to In Bloom's budget. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

The fund helped to "florally enhance Great Yarmouth" by allowing In Bloom to hang flower baskets along Regent Road, Market Place, King Street and Gorleston High Street.

The money also went towards competitions where gardeners, hotels and holiday camps could show off their floral displays.

This year, however, the council leader Carl Smith said "tough decisions had to be made".

"In Bloom has done some fantastic stuff over the years," he said.

"But we had to see where savings could be made and we looked at everything.

"With operations coming back inhouse with Great Yarmouth Borough Services, we felt it best to reduce funding to In Bloom."

In Bloom co-ordinator Sue Hacon said as there will only be enough money for barrier baskets outside the Town Hall this year, the group has effectively "disbanded".

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Great Yarmouth and Gorleston In Bloom co-ordinator Sue Hacon. Picture - NewsquestGreat Yarmouth and Gorleston In Bloom co-ordinator Sue Hacon. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"It's a real shame this has happened," Mrs Hacon said.

"It was part and parcel of promoting the borough. It will be missed.

"The competition was the biggest asset, and we'd made a good many friends and colleagues over the years.

"I am quite upset that something which has been going on for so long has been stopped. 

"It's a real shame that little In Blooms can't flourish anymore."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Mal Ferris's garden was a Great Yarmouth in Bloom winner last year. Picture: Great Yarmouth and Gorleston In BloomMal Ferris's garden was a Great Yarmouth in Bloom winner last year. Picture: Great Yarmouth and Gorleston In Bloom (Image: Newsquest Archives)

Mrs Hacon said she was only informed of the council's decision to no longer fund In Bloom around March.

The late notice frustrated Kevin Huggins, the chairman of Gorleston Traders Association.

Mr Huggins, who also owns Fusion Hair Consultants on the High Street, said an alternative could have been made had more notice been given.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Kevin Huggins, chairman of Forleston Traders Association and owner of Fusion Hair Consultants on Gorelston High Street. Picture - NewsquestKevin Huggins, chairman of Forleston Traders Association and owner of Fusion Hair Consultants on Gorelston High Street. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Huggins said: "Had we known sooner, we could have had offers from shops to hang their own displays or make contributions.

"It's frustrating as the council will gladly spend thousands on table tennis tables by the seafront. But nothing for high street traders as usual."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: FLASHBACK: Summertime floral displays down Regent Road, 2013. Picture - NewsquestFLASHBACK: Summertime floral displays down Regent Road, 2013. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Hacon wanted to thank people for their previous participation. 

She has asked if last year's winners could return trophies to Great Yarmouth Town Hall.