Following complaints from constituents, David Ruffley has written the following letter to Mike More, Chief Executive of Suffolk County Council, regarding their decision to ban hanging baskets.

"I am writing to you regarding the decision that your Council has made regarding the safety of hanging baskets on certain lamp posts in Bury St Edmunds.

I have been contacted by many constituents who believe this to be an example of unacceptable 'nanny statism' gone mad. You will, no doubt, wish to rebut this before I reply to my constituents.

Accordingly, I would like specific answers to these questions:

1. What is the specific statutory or regulatory authority you are relying upon in making this policy decision?

2. Can you please tell me which other councils in the UK have adopted this approach? If you are the only one, would you consider this to be best practice on Suffolk County Council's part?

I look forward to receiving a rapid response on an issue that is concerning not just the Bury in Bloom enthusiasts but many others who think it is an extremely strange decision."

David Ruffley MP