Anglia in Bloom
Judges Report 2011
Entrant - Leighton-Linslade in Bloom
Category – Large Town
Award – Low Silver Gilt
There is evidence that the “in Bloom” team is having an effect on the community as they have started to forge cooperation with other groups with the area. Although they have reduced the number of hanging baskets this year they have increased their use of sustainable planting, this has had the effect of improving the overall floral impact. The links that have been forged with schools and other youth groups is now evident by the OuzelValley project. Good press coverage and advertising campaigns are getting the “in Bloom” message that ”it is a better place to live” to the people in the Leighton area. Although it has been an uphill struggle to get this message out, all who have been involved should fell very satisfied and be congratulated.
Areas of Achievement
- The excellent floral baskets
- The greening up of the town centre
- The maturing of the cottage garden project
- The high standard of Parks maintenance by such a small dedicated team
- Achieving greater results with a smaller budget
- The results that have been achieved by the railway team brightening up what was once a dull place
- Linslade Lower Schools excellent outdoor activities
Areas of Improvement
- Remove the sycamores from the flower boarders of the War Memorial
- Some of the litter bins need some tlc to prolong their useful life.
- Deal with graffiti
- Instigate the removal of tree stakes that are no longer needed for support
- Instigate the repair/replacement of damage road side rails
- Weeds were noted in some of the shrubs beds on the route, these should be removed
If you would like to be involved in Leighton-Linslade in Bloom or you would just like further information, please contat Gill Miller on 01525 631916.
2010 - Excellent Result – a High Silver Award
Well done to everyone who contributed to our successful 2010 Anglia in Bloom campaign. On 15 September 2010 the Town received its award at the prestigious “Anglia in Bloom” ceremony held in Sudbury. Our High Silver Award is a fantastic achievement for our first year in this competition. The judges commented on how the campaign had made the town “attractive” and that local residents had clearly “enjoyed” the campaign. Very positive comments were also made about the Flypast Sculpture Garden, the allotments and the contribution made by local groups to the campaign. The judges congratulated the Town on its centrepiece attraction – the cottage garden in West Street which they said was vibrant with colour and contained a good choice of plants.
Councillors would like to thank all the groups and individuals who helped make this campaign successful. In particular, they and Council Officers have received many comments from local residents on how much better the town has looked, and that the planting schemes have helped make people feel even more proud to live in our Parish. The campaign was successful on many levels including the raising of over £1500 for the Florence Nightingale Hospice. Officers will be recommending that Council enters the 2011 Anglia in Bloom competition at the Leisure and Community Committee on 25 October 2010.
