THERE is just a week left to see the 35ft flower tower in Newport which has raised thousands for charity before it comes down next month.

Gardener Eddie Hayes, of Gibbs Road, Beechwood, has been selling flowers from the tower for the past three years, to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) after having a triple-heart bypass.

Newport City Council told him to take it down in May, after they received a complaint, or pay £190 in planning permission application fees.

Mr Hayes said he hasn't submitted a planning application and has agreed to take the tower down.

He plans do so on Sunday July 3.

Mr Hayes said he didn't want any trouble and said his wife also had concerns of him climbing the tower to tend to the plants.

The 73-year-old built the tower himself, first making it 26ft before deciding to add another 9ft to the design.

He will be selling all 150 plants on the tower before he starts to dismantle it by himself.

"I'm very sad to see it go to be honest," he said. "I'll be losing my retirement past time as there will be nothing to attract people to come to buy the flowers.

"I need to let the people know they can come down to buy the plants off the tower and I also have 150 plants on the drive. I'm hoping to raise a couple of thousand for charity - I raised £1,000 last year."

Councillor John Richards, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and investment, said: “Officers are legally obliged to investigate if complaints are received about developments and take action if they are found to be unauthorised – even if they are created with the best of intentions.

“A significant structure such as this does require planning permission and officers have discussed with Mr and Mrs Hayes the possibility of submitting a planning application.

“However, they have now agreed to take the tower down and I wish them well with their fund-raising plant sale, and congratulate them on the funds that they have already raised for charity.”

Anyone wanting to buy any of the flowers can call Mr Hayes on 07505 684218.

Anyone wanting to buy any of the flowers can call Mr Hayes on 07505684218.