Sudbury in Bloom are calling for the immediate release and reinstatement of the Sudbury hostages. Held against their will by agents for Suffolk County Council, Marketing Force, and removed without notice and taken from their beloved town, Sudbury In Bloom’s roundabout signs have been taken by Force indeed and replaced by the “in your face” camp guards of Marketing Force.

The removal of the longstanding signs puts the future of Sudbury in Bloom in jeopardy. They are our voluntary group’s main source of funding, with local businesses sponsoring our volunteers’ work maintaining many of the town’s floral displays in exchange for having their logos displayed in prominent locations.

There they were out in all weathers minding the interests of Sudbury and bringing joy to sponsors and roundabouts and the town where they supported the good work in maintaining the town centre. Little was known of the hideous changes that were to be thrust upon a lovely town, sweeping away 20 years of practice and then hiding. No communication just silence.

Beheading our signs and taking them away leaving the poor grey posts standing as a testament to past times. These signs had stood guarding our beds with their resolute faces and trickling river representing the town. Facing the traffic and adverse weather without complaint. Now they lie unloved in their guarded cells, crying out to return to their rightful places. Helping local businesses support the work of Sudbury in Bloom.

And on an even more serious note Sudbury in Bloom, a small voluntary group, derives more than half its small income from roundabout sponsors. A map showing the areas maintained by Sudbury in Bloom is found here. Details of all our valued sponsors can be found here.

The roundabouts of Sudbury have supported plants being planted and maintained across Sudbury. The value is multiplied many fold by the volunteers who work with them and feed and nourish them. Sudbury is a town that can be proud of its achievements and its appearance, and its floral arrangements are loved by many locals and visitors alike. The loss of our marketing signs threatens the basis on which the town is maintained and public support for Sudbury in Bloom is sought to encourage community at the heart of the town.

Return the Sudbury in Bloom signs to their rightful places – it is the least that can be done. All that is asked is to be left in peace with a nice pot of compost and good flask of tea and we will be happy again! Now where did we put that Dibber?!