Partnership Working
Pulling together to keep Shrewsbury 'blooming'
We work closely with our partners at Shropshire Council, and other local businesses and organisations, to make Shrewsbury as 'blooming' great as it can be. We all work together to improve our surroundings both for everyday life, and for the yearly Bloom campaign.
Below are just a few examples of how we work in partnership with other organisations and bodies.
Keeping our Parks and Countryside Safe and Clean: Dog Warden & Environmental Enforcement Officer
Jane Salisbury, Shropshire Council's Dog Warden & Environmental Enforcement Officer, plays a significant part in keeping public parks and countryside safe and clean, all of which are an integral part of the Shrewsbury in Bloom campaign.
The four main issues Jane deals with, and can issue fixed penalty notices for, are dog fouling, dogs on a lead by direction (keeping dogs under control), dogs on a lead on a public highway and dog exclusion (ie from children's fenced-in play areas).
Jane, who is pictured left with her dogs Snotty Dog and Alfie said: "My role is to ensure that town centre parks and countryside in Shrewsbury and the surrounding villages (and also Bridgnorth/ South Shropshire) are used in a responsible manner by dog owners.
"These areas are for everybody to enjoy, and not just for one group of people. It is not fair that some dog owners abuse the privilege of using our beautiful town centre parks and recreation areas. Fixed penalties are issued for members of the public who do not comply with the Dog Control Orders (that cover 4 main issues)."
Improving Shrewsbury's Habitat: The Parks and Countryside Sites Team
The Parks and Countryside Sites team at Shropshire Council manage over 130 parks, play areas, recreation grounds and country parks and their work is an essential part of Shrewsbury's conservation story.
Alongside the Shropshire Outdoors project, the team works with local volunteers including service users from local day centres to improve access and habitats across Shropshire. Recent tasks have included the installation of picnic tables, benches, steps and gates along the Rea Brook Valley, and making bird boxes at Monkmoor Community Woodland.
Matt Wilcoxon (pictured left), Countryside Ranger of Shropshire Council said: "We work with local communities to manage these sites for both people, landscape and wildlife.
"We are always looking for opportunities to improve their potential for play and quiet recreation whilst also aiming to improve habitats, protect wildlife and preserve and enhance Shropshire's landscape. From local play areas to large country parks like the Rea Brook Valley, parks are a fantastic place to have fun, exercise, meet friends, get close to nature or relax and watch the world go by. What's more, parks are free to use and are open every day of the year.
"Our volunteers are a superb example of how the local community can become involved in conservation and anyone interested in joining should please call me on 01743 257610."
Chairman of the Shrewsbury In Bloom Committee, Councillor Jackie Brennand added: "We are fortunate to have volunteers that make such a valuable contribution to the local community. They are a wonderful example of how Shrewsbury's residents can work together to improve the local environment and help us with our Bloom campaign."
Support from local businesses
In addition to the sponsorship of traffic islands and flower beds, three affiliated business groups have also joined the Bloom initiative by sponsoring the Floral Tree in Pride Hill. They are: Shrewsbury Business Chamber, Shop in the Loop and Shrewsbury Tourism Association.
Peter Bettis, Chairman of Shrewsbury Business Chamber said: "Shrewsbury Business Chamber is delighted to sponsor the main floral display on Pride Hill, in association with our local affiliated members Shrewsbury Tourism and Shop In The Loop.
"Many local and prominent businesses sponsor the Shrewsbury In Bloom initiative and as a Business Chamber we are delighted to be able to contribute to Shrewsbury's floral excellence. We wish the town every success in the coming competitions and would like to invite the local business community to be part of a valued and well-proven brand image which is 'Shrewsbury - The Town of Flowers.'