Blooming Bury wins top regional award for 13 years in a row

Bury has won the Gold Medal and come top of its class for the 13^th year in a row at the 2016 RHS North West in Bloom finals.

Bury won the Best Small City category and has been nominated to represent the region in next year’s national Britain in Bloom finals for the seventh time since 2005. Bury won gold and best in class in the national finals in 2015.

The grand total of awards bestowed upon Bury since 2003 is now 37.

Radcliffe, entered in a separate category, also won an award – a Silver Gilt – having won either gold or silver gilt for the 6th year running, this time in the Best Large Town category.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Producing successful In Bloom results year on year is a fantastic achievement and clearly demonstrates what can be pulled off when council teams work in partnership with the local community.

“In Bloom isn’t just about flowers, it’s also about the standards in our parks, environmental quality, recycling, sustainable planting, community and business involvement as well as working with local schools. All of which helps make the borough a great place to live, work, study and visit.

“Thanks to volunteer groups and sponsorship and help from local businesses, including Summerseat and Newbank garden centres, our annual ‘In Bloom’ campaigns are virtually cost neutral to the council.

“The quality of our environment is a credit to everyone involved including the dedicated workforce, community groups and volunteers.”

Mike Kelly, chair of the East Lancashire Railway that supports the Heritage Transport feature in Bolton Street, said: “Bury has a proud and unrivalled record for its beautiful and stunning flora and fauna which visitors and residents alike enjoy enormously. The ELR is pleased and delighted to play our part in supporting Bury in Bloom.”

John Ainscow from Summerseat Garden Centre said: “As an owner of a Bury-based business for over 25 years and a support of Bury in Bloom for ten years, we have a stronger connection with the local community.We are proud of the displays we have created over the years at Library Gardens and are delighted that these help bring recognition to our home town and pleasure to the many people that live and visit here.”

To sponsor or get involved with Bury or Radcliffe in Bloom phone 0161 253 5266 or e-mail parks.countryside@bury.gov.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 4 November 2016.

Picture: The Land Rover display outside the Fusilier Museum in Bury.