Bid to make town blooming beautiful

FLASHBACK to last year and the North-West Britain In Bloom Judges at the WOW tableau. From left, Mayoress Di Heffernan, judges Brian Whalley and Malcolm Ewbank and Mayor Councillor Derek Heffernan

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STUNNING floral displays could see Oldham crowned "Champion of Champions" in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2017.

Work is already underway as the borough prepares to battle six others all hoping to be named one of the cleanest, greenest and most beautiful places in the UK.

Oldham, which last year won the North West in Bloom award for the seventh consecutive year, was chosen for the prestigious award after displaying a commitment to environmental responsibility, high levels of community participation and outstanding horticultural achievements. Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have been included in the Champion of Champions category at this year's Britain in Bloom Awards.

"The pride taken in looking after our borough is admirable; hopefully, the judges will appreciate all of our hard work when they come to town."

This year's RHS theme is "Greening Grey Britain" and the WOW bed centrepiece will once again be transformed into a stunning showpiece, with final details of the design to be released later this year.

Along the judging route, starting this year at Lydgate, Oldham will be introducing new wildflower meadows and beehives, as well as increasing our efforts in biodiversity and promoting our biomass set up in Alexandra Park.

In preparation for the event, the council have planted more than 200 trees across the borough and in June 130,000 bedding plants will be put in place - complementing the 35,000 spring bedding plants already gracing the town.

Judging will take place in August, with winners announced at the Britain in Bloom awards ceremony in Llandudno, North Wales, on October 27.

Oldham has previously won three Gold certificates at the Britain in Bloom competition and has been named Best City at the North West in Bloom awards.

Andrea Van Sittart, RHS Head of Community Outreach said: "Congratulations to Oldham on reaching the UK Finals of this year's RHS Britain in Bloom campaign.

"To represent their region on the UK stage is an incredible achievement and shows they are already at the top level of community gardening, going the extra mile to improve their local area and make it cleaner, greener and more beautiful for everyone."