IT has been dubbed 'flowergate' by staff in whispers within the corridors of Bradford Combined Court.

For attempts by Bradford Council to brighten up Exchange Square by installing floral tubs has provoked the ire of Her Majesty's Court bosses.

The Courts Service officially objected to four planters being placed on the court precinct outside the building's main entrance and asked that the flowers be removed.

The authority subsequently did so but the bare tubs have been left in place, for now, and are in stark contrast to the colourful displays on the other side of the square.

A Council spokesman said: "We have relocated some planters which were no longer needed, due to the improvements being made in the city centre.

"The contractor mistakenly placed them on land belonging to the Crown Court. We have now arranged for these planters to be repositioned on Council land. This will be completed by the middle of this week."

An HM Courts & Tribunals Service spokesman said: "We have asked the Council to remove four planters which have been placed on our property outside Bradford Crown Court."