Bury and Radcliffe beat the heat to scoop more prominent awards

Bury has scooped yet another Gold award and won the Britain in Bloom North West Small City category for the 15th year in a row, thanks once again to an all-round community effort.

Bury also received the Environmental Award for local authorities, a discretionary award given by the judges to credit the cleanliness of the town and the general high quality and cleanliness of the parks. And, for the 8th time since 2005, judges nominated Bury to represent the North West region in the 2019 Britain in Bloom national finals.

On top of Bury’s success, Radcliffe entered in the Best Large Town category and clinched a Silver-Gilt award for the fourth year running; and Clarence Park, entered in the RHS Park Awards, also came away with a Silver-Gilt.

‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ awards, which recognise the work of community groups, were also given to:

• Stock Street (Outstanding)
• Red Bank Extra Care Scheme (Outstanding)
• Eden Gardens Allotment Association (Outstanding)
• Abbey Close TRA (Thriving)
• Corrie Gardeners (Thriving)
• Diggle Lane Allotments (Thriving)

All the awards were announced at a ceremony in Southport on Friday 2 November.

In order to win the contest for the 15^th year running, Bury had to beat off stiff competition from neighbouring Rochdale and also Chorley.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Huge congratulations go to everyone who has helped deliver these amazing results, despite the challenges of the summer heatwave. Our workforce and all our In Bloom supporters have yet again pulled everything out of the bag and done Bury and Radcliffe proud.

“Quality green spaces are hugely beneficial to the local environment but, not only this, they’re vital in supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities too.

“It’s great to keep on winning such prominent awards for our quality green spaces, but best of all is everyone pulling together to achieve results and keep our borough a great place to live, work, study and visit.”

To support Bury in Bloom or Radcliffe in Bloom, either as a hands-on volunteer or via sponsorship, visit www.bury.gov.uk/buryinbloom-support or phone 0161 253 5266.

ENDS

Press release issued: 7 November 2018.

Picture: Blooming brilliant! At the awards ceremony are (from left) Teresa Potter, North West in Bloom judge; Kevin Dickinson, grounds maintenance manager; the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Jane Black; and Peter Turner, grounds maintenance foreman.

Notes to editors

The aims of Britain in Bloom North West are to encourage local communities to improve and care for their local environment through imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping, conservation and recycling projects and to eliminate eyesores that blight our streets such as litter, graffiti and vandalism.

The competition is based on three RHS core themes:

* Horticultural excellence

* Environmental responsibility

* Community participation

By taking part in the competition local communities can benefit from:

* increased civic pride;

* long term improvement in their local environment;

* a boost to the local economy including regeneration of run down and disadvantaged areas;

* boosted tourism.

In addition the competition stimulates volunteer work while addressing sustainability, recycling, waste minimisation and conservation issues.

Overall it promotes a tremendous sense of community and, above all, fun.

For more information about Britain in Bloom North West: https://www.northwestinbloom.com/