VOLUNTEERS working to keep Colchester blooming have been stung with penalty notices after they were penalised for using a bus lane for their water bowser.

The In Bloom team has been putting the final touches to a year-long campaign for the Anglia and Britain in Bloom competitions.

But they fear the hanging baskets, in North Hill, could die after they were refused permission for their lorry carrying a water bowser to go into the bus lane to water the plants.

The work is carried out by Paul Leatherdale, vice-chairman of Colchester in Bloom.

He said: “For the past couple of years we have had permission to go in to the bus lane to water the plants and we asked again this year and were told we had permission.

“But the county council has said no. I have received five penalty notices at £70 each. We are appealing. It seems a shame if the plants we have put in using a council grant are left to die.”

A spokesman for the North Essex Parking Partnership said: “Any request for a dispensation relating to bus lanes would need to be sent to Essex County Council who would make a decision.”