A WAR of the Roses has broken out over who should lead the way in making Bury a brighter place to live.

And the future of floral hanging baskets hangs in the balance as Prestwich Business Forum and Bury Council try to come to some agreement.

The row over flower power began when council bosses announced plans last week to introduce a sponsored hanging basket scheme throughout the borough this summer.

Following the success of award-winning floral displays in previous years and appeals from the public to extend the beautiful blooms, the local authority gained a grant from Pilsworth Environmental Company for the scheme.

But members of Prestwich Business Forum claim the council is undermining their Brighter Business Scheme by offering similar benefits for just one-fifth of the price.

The business forum came up with the Brighter Business Programme in December and officially launched the scheme in January, offering businesses across the borough a selection of packages up to the value of £200 for 12 months.

Town centre co-ordinator, Tricia Willott, who is involved in the council's hanging basket scheme, said an application for funding was made in February and news of the scheme was not shared with the business forum until it had been granted in order to avoid confusion.

"The grant is there to help and reduce costs for businesses and we will try and work with the business forum to see if both schemes can be successful," she added.