In spite of the dramatic weather over the summer, Shrewsbury’s floral features have been declared blooming brilliant after being awarded Gold in the Royal Horticultural Society [RHS] Britain in Bloom competition.
The national results were announced at an awards ceremony in Belfast on Friday evening.
Shrewsbury achieved Gold in the Small City category in the competition, awarded to ‘exceptional achievers who have demonstrated a consistently high standard in all areas of the judging criteria.’
The Britain in Bloom judges visited the town on July 31 when Shrewsbury was judged against exacting criteria for its horticultural work, environmental responsibility and community involvement.
Councillor Keith Roberts, chairman of the Shrewsbury in Bloom committee, said he was delighted with the results, especially in light of this year’s challenging weather conditions: “It takes a lot of hard work from so many people in the town to be able to win a Gold award in the national competition. I am pleased that the judges have recognised the input from everyone associated with our Shrewsbury in Bloom entry.
“The Town Council’s horticultural team has had an exceptional summer to deal with, and their hard work has ensured that the floral features around the town have looked their best throughout a difficult summer.
“We have faced some tough competition from Rochdale, Derry City and Durham City and we are absolutely delighted to have achieved Gold standard once again, maintaining Shrewsbury’s enviable reputation as the Town of Flowers.”
Helen Ball, town clerk for Shrewsbury Town Council, added: “The Gold award is recognition for the hard work undertaken by so many people in the town to prepare for our Bloom campaign. It is a great team effort from all of our staff at Shrewsbury Town Council working alongside our partners at Shropshire Council and I would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
“We have great business sponsors in the town and the Shrewsbury Business Improvement District have been involved in organising the purchase of hundreds of hanging baskets this year, helping to enhance the town centre.
“We encourage our local communities to get involved and the judges have recognised that team effort. It is with the support of our residents and the involvement of local organisations that we are able to show that Shrewsbury is a great place to live, work and visit.”
In the RHS Britain in Bloom competition, Shrewsbury was judged against Rochdale, Derry City and Durham City, with Durham crowned Category winners.
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