York launches flower bid

5:58am Tuesday 8th April 2008

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YORK is aiming to be blooming marvellous once again this summer - but it needs residents' help.

Last year, York was awarded a coveted Silver Gilt Award in the Yorkshire City In Bloom contest, but did not quite make the grade needed for the gold one.

This year, green-fingered partners across the city are hoping their year's efforts will win the city first place, ahead of the other communities of more than 100,000 residents across the region - Barnsley, Hull, Leeds and Wakefield.

Terry Collins, City of York Council's director of neighbourhood services said: "We're working with a wide range of partners on key floral displays across the city, but we're really keen to hear from local groups who are working in their area.

"The bid is a fantastic opportunity for us all to contribute to improving the look of the city. Although the council is leading on the bid, we need everyone to help play their part to make York a great place to live and work.

"We're hoping to hear from anyone who is already working to improve the local environment.

"It could be anything from a major planting scheme on a local open space, to a small group of neighbours who are doing their bit to make their street look nicer.

"We know that the judges are really keen to see the whole community pulling together for the In Bloom' bid, so please do let us know if you can help, or are already doing something to contribute."

The council is working with partners, including The Press, to get York ready for the judging process. The first assessment will take place next Monday when the city will be judged on the imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping as well as how it deals with issues of litter, graffiti, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

The main summer judging will also look at the city's environmental approach and community involvement. The York In Bloom Partnership Board is keen to hear from community groups and local volunteers who are working to improve their local environment.

City of York Council tenants will also be helping to make York look even better, as the judges will be taken on a tour of the gardens of the winners of the council's Tenants In Bloom competition, during the summer judging in July.

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