Northampton in bloom competition

The days are getting longer, the weather's getting better - and it's time to start work on making Northampton a blooming great place again this summer.

Northampton Borough Council is launching Northampton in Bloom, our bid to make the town a greener, cleaner place and again to win floral glory in the regional East Midlands in Bloom competition.

Last year, Northampton took the Gold in the regional awards thanks to the hard work and involvement of individuals, groups and communities right across the borough. The judges were so pleased with blooming Northampton that the town has been put forward for the national finals of Britain in Bloom, which will take place in August.

Northampton received the top honours for its superb parks and green spaces, flourishing allotments and community gardens and high standard of floral features in the town centre, all of which add to Northampton's civic pride.

This year, we are aiming higher and want to involve local businesses, neighbourhood groups as well as our own parks and gardens teams in pulling together to make Northampton an attractive place to be.

To sow the first seeds that will lead to a beautiful summer, Councillor Trini Crake, Cabinet Member for Environment will be launching the Northampton In Bloom campaign in Abington Park at 3pm on Monday 8 March. Trini will join Northampton Borough Council parks staff and representatives from Moulton College - whose students are preparing designs for the floral displays - getting to work.

The aim between now and August is to encourage as many people as possible to get involved and brighten up the town.

Anyone can take part in the first stage - Northampton in Bloom.

People can enter for:
· Best front garden
· Best school garden
· Best hotel/pub garden or display
· Best retail/commercial premises
· Best hanging basket/container
· Best community project

This competition will be judged between June 14 and 18 and the successful finalists will form part of Northampton's bid for the regional and national titles later on in the summer.

Communities can also get together on projects to make their area greener as part of a special It's Your Neighbourhood event that will take place between March 27 and 28.

Businesses too will be encouraged to get involved by sponsoring floral displays.

Further details of these and all the other ways to become involved in Northampton in Bloom will be available on the Northampton Borough Council website soon.

Councillor Trini Crake has high hopes for Northampton's chances this year.

"I was really proud last year that local people, schools, businesses and community groups pulled out all the stops to make the town bloom. This year I hope we can go even further and put Northampton on the map by doing well in the national competition.

"But it's not just about winning an award, taking part in Britain in Bloom will build our community spirit and make the town a beautiful, blossoming place this year," Trini said.

Details on how to apply will be available on the Northampton Borough Council website www.northampton.gov.uk from the middle of March. People more eager to exercise their green fingers can find out more from the website www.rhs.org.uk/britaininbloom
Alternatively you can contact the Borough Council Parks team on 01604 837671.

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