The Mayor of Shrewsbury is urging town residents and businesses to get behind final preparations for this year’s In Bloom campaign.
Heart of England judges will visit the town on July 18 when hundreds of floral hanging baskets, planters and containers, installed by the Town Council, will be judged against exacting criteria.
Britain in Bloom is divided into 12 English regions and Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Isle of Man and Jersey.
Entries are usually made by District, Borough, Town or Parish Councils and vary from small villages to large cities.
These entries are then judged against ones of similar status, by independent judges, during the months of June, July and early August.
Last year Shrewsbury was awarded Gold for its floral excellence, but narrowly missed out on being selected to represent the region at the national stages of the competition.
This year town bosses have implemented a number of new initiatives and features that they hope will help cinch the top spot.
“We always try to do something just a little bit different every year to impress the judges,” said Gary Farmer, Operations Manager at Shrewsbury Town Council.
“Just a few of the improvements we have made in the last 12 months include installing an 8ft, decorative steel heron in the Dingle and the introduction of a gardening scheme for local primary schools.”
Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Tony Durnell, said he hoped people in the town would help give the campaign a final push before judging day.
“So many people have worked incredibly hard on preparing for In Bloom this year and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved; from the maintenance teams who keep our floral displays in tip-top condition to our traffic island sponsors and administrative team,” he said. “
It really is a joint effort and residents and businesses can play their part too by tending to their own gardens or perhaps by organising a community litter pick. It’s all the little details that the judges will be looking for so let’s make Shrewsbury Blooming great!”
For further information contact Suzi Wilkinson, Marketing & Promotions Officer on: 01743 257654 or email suzi.wilkinson-stc@shropshire.gov.uk