"This is not red tape, it’s about keeping people safe..."

Those are the words of Cambridgeshire County Council amid a row with a volunteer group in Fenland surround hanging baskets and health and safety. 

Chatteris In Bloom, who have won numerous awards for their floral designs, are furious after Cambridgeshire County Council said they must undergo a health and safety course which would cost £165 per person.

Group president, Sue Unwin, appeared on ITV's 'This Morning' show today to share her disgust at the council's new rules. 

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Cambridgeshire County Council said that, because the streetlights were connected to the power grid, it needed to ensure everyone's safety. 

In a new statement, a Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: "We are always keen to work closely with local communities across Cambridgeshire to make use of streetlights with festive displays.

“All we are asking is that any group wishing to create displays on our streetlights – which could involve putting heavy items overhead, on streetlights directly connected to the local power grid – is that they contact us first.

"This is so we can make sure essential independent safety training is completed for everyone's wellbeing. This is not red tape, it’s about keeping people safe.”

“We have met with Chatteris Town Council and we understand they are looking into volunteer training. We gather there is already at least one trained volunteer in the area.”