Child's 'bows for NHS' display removed from Doncaster park after complaints

Hundreds of colourful ribbons used to decorate a Doncaster park to support the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic have been removed after complaints.
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Youngster Caitlin Barclay and her mum Lindsay spent hours decorating railings at Sandall Park with hundreds of coloured ribbons to show support for Doncaster’s NHS workers at the height of the Covid-19 crisis.

But the pair have now been forced to take the display down after several complaints from members of the public to Doncaster Council.

Caitlin spent hours decorating Sandall Park with coloured bowsCaitlin spent hours decorating Sandall Park with coloured bows
Caitlin spent hours decorating Sandall Park with coloured bows
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Lindsay said: “Despite most people enjoying them, sadly one or two people have messaged the council.

“Thank you to everyone who has shown support and kindness towards my daughter in her efforts to try and brighten people’s day during the pandemic.

“And lastly a massive thank you to all of the frontline workers who are absolute heroes.”

Lindsay said the complaints were about the usage of single use plastics and says she was told by the council that the bows had ‘run their course’.

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The display – which was originally installed in April and saw bows circling the entire park – was also subject to a number of vandal attacks with dozens of bows ripped down.

Friends of Sandall Park, the volunteer group which looks after the park, says plans are now being drawn up for a permament memorial in the park to the town’s coronavirus victims which will include a time capsule containing documents and newspaper clippings.