Walsall in Bloom could face the axe later this year, it emerged today. The competition, which is entered by hundreds of green-fingered enthusiasts every year, could be lost altogether in April – to save £8,000.

Some district and town centres could also lose floral and window boxes at a saving of £38,000. And the £30,000 bill for street planters in Walsall, Darlaston, Willenhall, Bloxwich and Brownhills will also be put out for sponsorship.

The savings, proposed as part of a budget for 2007-08, are aimed at limiting the council tax increase.

Walsall in Bloom has welcomed a host of high-profile guests to the borough and boosted the area’s profile nationwide. Last year, I’m a Celebrity star and former royal correspondent Jennie Bond was the star guest at the awards ceremony.

And the year before, TV presenter Eamonn Holmes presented the awards.

Councillor Dennis Anson said he was shocked and appalled by today’s news.

He said: “The people who enter take great pride in having beautiful gardens and this encourages others to follow their example and do the same. There are too many people in Walsall who just let their garden go to rack and ruin and this will make that worse.

“For the sake of saving £8,000, couldn’t this cut be made somewhere else?”

The fate of the competition will be discussed by members of the council’s cabinet on Wednesday.