THE Weston-super-Mare Lions president has issued a statement clarifying the club's position following the rumpus over the concreting over of the town's floral clock.

The Lions decided to concrete over the popular site as no one would volunteer to water the plants over the summer months.

The council has since said the site will be restored.

READ MORE: Weston floral clock concreted over.

Lions president Chick Parkin has now issued the following statement: "The Weston Floral Clock has generated a lot of conversation and interest in the last week, and we are pleased to see such a high level of engagement from the local community.

"But we’re also disheartened by some of the misunderstandings.

"I am therefore making a statement on behalf of the Weston-super-Mare (WSM) Lions.

"The Lions have been trusted custodians of the Weston landmark since 2014, when the council could no longer fund its care and maintenance.

"While beautiful, the design was impractical and expensive, costing £15,000 a year at the height of its glory.

"In 2023, WSM Lions had a meeting with North Somerset Council and presented a creative and sustainable new design for the Floral Clock, including work from a local artist, hardy shrubbery and a revived clock face.

"As proud Westonians ourselves, our intention has always been to transform the Floral Clock into something that the community could be rightly proud of and that would be durable enough to remain an attractive landmark despite the lack of council funding.

"We are delighted to hear the council has decided to get involved with the Floral Clock once again, and we will continue to talk to them about their plans.

"For the last 55 years, the WSM Lions have been supporting the local community through fundraising and service.

"Over the last year alone, we have organised and supported many events, including the Real Ale Festival, the Mud Master, Weston Carnival, Pines for Pounds, the Visually Impaired Bowls Tournament, RNLI Bucket Collection, the Sea Shanty Festival, Prostate Cancer Screening, Charity Casino Nights, The Pride of Weston Award, Go Kids Go and, of course, the Floral Clock.

"We regularly raise over £40,000 per year and we donate these funds to local individuals as well as national and local charities, including Weston Hospicecare, Sands and Prostate Cancer UK.

"The Lions’ motto is ‘We Serve’ and we will continue to do this.

"We hope the enthusiasm this discussion has created around the Floral Clock will continue, and we look forward to connecting with even more Westonians."

Chick Parkin

Lions President

On behalf of WSM Lions