Bloom town seeks further successes

GREEN team . . . gardeners Andy Owens, Gary Short, Rory McGlade, John Hickey, team leader Lee Gannon and Andrew Marshall

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A STUNNING green and flower-filled hotel has just opened in Oldham town centre.

But, sadly for Oldham residents, only bugs, insects and creepy crawlies are welcome to check-in as guests.

The "Bug Hotel" forms part of this year's vibrant Bloom and Grow centrepiece in the town centre as Oldham seeks to retain its "Best City" in the North-West in Bloom title for a seventh year in a row.

Oldham is also hoping for national success again in the Britain in Bloom competition after being nominated for a place in the Champion of Champions category, along with six other cities, towns and villages, following previous years' outstanding successes with Best City wins in 2012 and 2014.

Unique

This year's WOW centrepiece flowerbed features a 'Bug Hotel' complete with oversized bugs and a reception area, welcoming people to the town.

The unique and animated design aims to bring a bit of fun to the town centre and it is hoped it will attract the interest of residents, especially children.

The entry is in keeping with this year's Royal Horticultural Society theme of 'Greening Grey Britain' and demonstrates the importance of wildlife and conservation. The bed will stay on show throughout the summer after which it will be re-used elsewhere in the town following the tradition of previous WOW beds.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and co-operatives, said: "As ever our Bloom and Grow centrepiece grabs you as soon as you see it.

"We wanted something to wow the judges especially given our entry into the Champion of Champions category of Britain in Bloom.

"Hopefully its fun and colourful design will spark conversation between adults and children alike and will impress the judges when they visit us.

"Our success with Bloom and Grow is down to the collective efforts of the council, residents, schools, businesses and community groups who all pull together throughout the year, show civic pride and admirably take responsibility in making our borough look its best."

This year the route the judges will follow starts at The White Hart, Lydgate after which the tour will take in several Saddleworth villages, Scouthead, Austerlands and Waterhead as it heads towards Oldham town centre.

• More Bloom and Grow pictures on our picture sales page.