25 July 2008

Market towns judged for East Midlands in Bloom

Floral displays, imaginative landscaping and environmental cleanliness were scrutinized by judges last week touring the borough’s market towns Ilkeston and Long Eaton for this year’s East Midlands in Bloom competition.

Judges from Nottingham City Council and Nottingham County Council visited the towns which are entered as part of the regional arm of the national Britain in Bloom competition.

Judging categories included floral displays, landscaping, management of natural areas, and the cleanliness and general condition of the town centres and other public areas.

In a packed, one-day tour of both towns, the two judges visited many varied sites such as St Laurence’s churchyard, the market place, library, cemetery and Wilsthorpe allotments in Long Eaton. In Ilkeston, their visits included Stanton Road cemetery, Rutland Sports Park, Victoria Park, Shipley View estate, and ended at White Lion Square.

Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning Cllr Geoff Smith said: “The Council works with hundreds of local people, businesses, community groups and other organisations through its Pride in Erewash initiative to ensure our towns are clean, colourful and attractive. I am proud of the work so many people have done, not just towards entering this prestigious competition but also towards the continued improvements in our key public spaces.”

Competition results are due in late summer.

Ends