Ellesmere Port has submitted a full entry into the North West in Bloom competition for the first time.
It follows on from the town's highly successful non-competitive ‘Neighbourhood’ entry into the prestigious horticultural competition last year.
John Shepley with Little Sutton representatives and the mayor
It involves a number of groups and organisations from all across the town who have come together to work on a full entry into the competition.
One of the highlights is a stunning mural at the side of the Trinity building in Ellesmere Port created by artists Jodie Haggart and Chloe Goodwin, who were able to complete it despite facing a heatwave and heavy rainfall.
The group is chaired by Joanna Pemberton from Trinity Church and is supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Wildflowers on the verges
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said: “I’m delighted the Council is able to support this year’s full entry into the North West in Bloom competition. It is all about bringing members of the community together to make a positive change to the place they live, work or spend their leisure time.
“So many groups are doing marvellous work all over the town and I’m delighted the entry in North West in Bloom brings them all together to demonstrate the wonderful results being achieved.
“Today the judges have been able to see the fantastic work being done by Bridges Community Farm, Trinity Church and The Port Grocery, Wolverham Community Centre and Positive Action for Little Sutton local schools and ‘Friends of’ groups, to name but a few, supported by Council teams."
Judges with Chris Brown
Cllr Shore added: “Our StreetCare Services teams have increased the number of wildflower verges, as well as doing the usual fabulous flower displays in the town centre.
“Our entry also looks to the future and we will continue to work together to build on our achievements.”
Beautiful blooms on Sutton Way roundabout
Joanne Pemberton of Trinity Church, Chair of the group added: “Being Chair of the Ellesmere Port RHS in bloom has been a real pleasure. Seeing everyone contributing has been a privilege to be part of and the way the community has come together. A great sense of community spirit and council partnership working."
Fabulous flowers at Wolverham Community Centre
She added: “Thank you to all who have made this possible. The ripples of our passion for all things horticultural is starting to blossom. Plans for 2020 are already taking shape.
“The team are looking forward to attending the RHS North West presentation in Southport to hear our results."
Judges with Francis Ball
Groups participating in the competition are asked to focus on its three key areas: Horticulture, Environment and Community.
North West in Bloom judges, David Bielawski and John Shepley visited the town to meet representatives from the groups involved. Judges assess their entry against the RHS criteria but they also provide constructive feedback and suggestions to help the group improve. Results will be announced in October this year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here