Shrewsbury will soon be been transformed into a riot of colour as the town council prepares for the summer planting scheme, ahead of this year’s Britain in Bloom contest.
Around 300,000 colourful blooms will be planted out around town in the many hanging baskets, tubs and planters, with more than 20,000 plants alone ear-marked for Shrewsbury’s 365-days-a-year show garden in the Dingle.
Britain in Bloom arbiters are set to visit Shrewsbury in July when the town’s floral displays will be judged against exacting criteria. As well as entering both the regional Heart of England in Bloom and national Britain in Bloom competitions this year, Shrewsbury will also go forward to compete for the ultimate Bloom title of Champion of Champions.
The town’s plentiful and colourful flower displays are tended to by Shrewsbury Town Council’s grounds maintenance team.
“Carrying out the spring and summer planting schemes is a mammoth task that requires a dedicated and passionate workforce,” said Helen Ball, Town Clerk.
“Our staff take pride in upholding Shrewsbury’s reputation as a Town of Flowers and it’s a pride we hope extends to all of our residents, shops and businesses, especially this year with us competing to be crowned Champion of Champions.
“With that in mind we are asking local people to adopt a zero tolerance policy towards any defacement of the floral displays within the town centre. Last year vandals caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage by stripping plants, damaging planters and tipping tubs into the road. If you see something untoward please do your bit and report it to the Town Council or the local policing team who will be working closely with us to ensure any vandalism is dealt with appropriately.”
Inspector Graham Preece, from Central Shropshire Safer Neighbourhood Team added: West Mercia Police will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or criminal offences committed against Council property and will take action against those found committing offences. Prosecutions for criminal damage or theft will not be ruled out, with perpetrators risking getting a criminal record.”