Southsea florist swaps metal for the pedal

Boutique florist, Charmaine of Southsea, in Albert Road, Southsea, is using a grant from Portsmouth City Council to fund the project.

Owner Kelly Jordan applied for the funding after the city council received cash from the Department for Transport last year.

The council asked local businesses to put forward sustainable travel projects focussing on cycling and walking.

Kelly said she noticed butchers, bakers and grocers all making deliveries of their produce in big wicker baskets on the front of bicycles in Victorian period dramas and had a brainwave to do the same.

She said: ‘This is something I have thought about for a while and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to bring the idea to life.

‘Every time I saw it, I thought about how we could do the same with our floral bouquets, but it was never able to get to the top of our list for investments. I have always felt since our business is providing the natural beauty of flowers and plants for people’s celebrations, it is our duty to return the favour by being as environmentally friendly as possible.’

For more information visit charmainefloristofsouthsea.co.uk