Community at the heart of Bury in Bloom

Date published: 07 August 2011

Residents, schools and volunteers are congratulated for their hands-on support given to this year’s North West in Bloom and Britain in Bloom entries.

In challenging financial times, the community’s efforts in joining council workers has ensured that Bury’s parks, gardens, street scenes and public areas all look their best.

This year’s entry fee for the competition was gratefully received from Tottington and Bury West Rotary Club and many of the 500-plus hanging baskets and feature displays have been funded by sponsorship from local companies. More than 20 local businesses are also contributing to the attractiveness of Bury by sponsoring roundabouts, gateway and town centre signs, and a town centre feature display.

Stuart Harrison, managing director of Moorgate Kitchens, said: “Moorgate Kitchens and Bathrooms have now been proud sponsors of Bury in Bloom for nine rewarding years. Over this time we have seen our sponsorship sites transformed into fantastic visual displays for all the community to enjoy. That, coupled with the fact that our business signs are being viewed by thousands of potential customers on a daily basis, has raised our company profile and enabled us to evolve into a firmly established business within the community. As a whole, it’s an investment with a guaranteed return for all.”

John Ainscow, owner of Summerseat Garden Centre, said: “As a family business of over 25 years we feel a strong connection with the local community and Summerseat Garden Centre’s continuing partnership with Bury Council through the Bury in Bloom campaign and its enhancement of our town is a superb way of supporting the wider community.”

Summerseat Garden Centre has been sponsoring the waterwheel feature display at Library Gardens opposite Gallipoli Garden and the Fusilier Museum for four years running.

Councillor Jane Lewis, executive member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “Taking part in “in bloom” has many benefits for our borough, inspiring voluntary work and increasing civic pride to name just two.

“I am proud of what we were able to show the judges from North West in Bloom and Britain in Bloom.”

“Taking account of the current financial situation we have made some adjustments to this year’s entry by replacing summer bedding with more sustainable planting and some beds have been reduced in size, but overall this hasn’t detracted from the impact that Bury in Bloom continues to have. There has also been a significant increase in support from the community and from local businesses which all goes towards helping to keep Bury blooming.

“The floral feature tributes to our local heritage, combined with the ‘cleaner, safer, greener’ programme, make Bury an excellent place to be for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”

Bury in Bloom includes environmental quality, community involvement, recycling, street care standards and promoting the benefits of in bloom.

Judging took place for North West in Bloom at the end of July with the results due to be announced in October. Judging for Britain in Bloom took place at the beginning of August with results to be announced in September.

Bury has won North West in Bloom for seven years running from 2004-2010.