PLANS to make Yate blossom are being cultivated in the town.

The town council wants to improve the appearance of major routes with flowers and plants and is calling on local businesses and green-fingered experts to help.

Cllr Sue Walker said: "I know Yate is never going to be the prettiest town in the world but if we can get some interest we can really make some improvements. "We are open to ideas and want to hear people’s suggestions."

She said the main areas which needed shrubbery and landscaping were the roundabout at B&Q in the centre of the town and along Westerleigh Road and Station Road.

"I am concerned about the state of the roundabout in particular," said Cllr Walker.

"It was fine when it was first designed but the membrane has ruptured and the weeds have literally been shoulder high.

"Also there are a lot of elderly people who live along Westerleigh Road and Station Road and now they have no local post office they have to walk to the main one in Yate Shopping Centre.

"It would be nice to have some seating along the way for them because at the moment they have to sit on the wall by B&Q."

South Gloucestershire Council has said it will maintain the main roundabout by B&Q and shopping centre owners the Dominion Trust will take over running the two roundabouts at either end of the Link Road.

The town council will investigate improving the open space at Thorns Farm, next to Northavon Magistrates’ Court, which is currently hidden from view.

Cllr Martin Monk said: "This is a major part of Yate and we need it looking nice. I think we have to do everything we can to improve things."

Hopes of entering the town in the national Britain In Bloom competition in the future are also on the agenda.

Added Cllr Monk: "If we are going to enter In Bloom we need individual and businesses to help.

"We would have to convince businesses to pay for hanging baskets and plants and I am not sure we can do that.

"It would be a lot of hard work and almost a full-time job."