It is farcical that Oxford's Britain in Bloom organisers are having to go round Oxford City Council's area committees, cap in hand, to persuade them to support this year's floral displays.

Our entry into this prestigious competition should not rely on the wherewithal of a series of small council committees. Some could say yes, some could say no, leaving this year's entry in as much doubt as ever.

The only hope for the organisers is if all the committees say yes.

This is where the current organisation of the council is shown up for what it is. If Oxford is to properly fund a floral display for Britain in Bloom, and it has the money, then the council as one corporate body should be making that decision. Incidentally, we think that for all the benefit it brings, the city council should support it.