​In Bloom judging day – what will be the verdict?

Gardeners, volunteers, and council staff face an anxious wait after the judges from RHS North West in Bloom came to the borough.

The judges were taken on a swift tour of sites in Bury and Radcliffe to look at floral displays as well as environmental projects, examples of conservation and evidence of support from businesses and hands-on support from the community.

Bury has won a gold award and the Best Large Town prize for the last 12 years, while Radcliffe has previously won silver-gilt and gold awards over the last few years. Last year, Bury represented the region in the Britain in Bloom finals for the sixth time since 2005.

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.

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

“Whatever the official results, the quality of our environment is a credit to everyone involved.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 10 August 2016.

Picture: Outside Bury Town Hall are (from left) Kevin Dickinson (grounds maintenance manager); Cllr Mike Connolly, the Mayor of Bury; Peter Burns (senior supervisor street cleansing); Peter Turner (area foreman grounds maintenance); Brian Robinson (grounds maintenance); Bill Blackledge (chairman and judge, North West in Bloom); Sarah Hawkins (trainee judge); Mike Owen, the council’s chief executive; Jim Leak (North West in Bloom judge); Peter Glover (technical assistant); Neil Long (assistant director operations); Pat Jones-Greenhalgh, executive director of communities and wellbeing; Julie Pitchforth (marketing and development officer).