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Town council blooms as champion of champions
Shrewsbury has been crowned Champion of Champions by Britain in Bloom judges, with the town’s local council at the heart of their campaign to win one of the most coveted awards in the country.
The accolade is the highest bestowed in the Bloom campaign – governed by the Royal Horticultural Society – and was announced at an awards ceremony in Bristol yesterday evening (Thursday 16 October 2014).
Shrewsbury was among 71 finalists shortlisted for the Champion of Champions title which coincided with the 50th anniversary of Britain in Bloom.
Councillor Ken Browse, chairman of the National Association of Local Councils said: “Congratulations to all councillors and staff at the town council on winning this coveted national award – I am absolutely thrilled for them.
“This latest accolade will be the icing on the cake after the town was crowned the most courteous in the UK by the National Campaign for Courtesy earlier this year.
“Both achievements are a glowing testament to the dedication and commitment by the town council to make a real difference in the town.
“While the town council was only established in 2009, they already have a long and enviable track record of achievement and success, in particular their growing partnerships with other organisations and agencies. Proving how important local democracy and grassroots councils are to their local areas. Shrewsbury Town Council is certainly one to watch!”
Town clerk and chief executive, Helen Ball, attributes the town’s success to an overarching ‘Team Shrewsbury’ approach including, not only the Town Council, but also Shropshire Council, West Mercia Police and local businesses and communities.
“Shrewsbury is a town where everyone pulls together for the greater good,” she said.
“Our success in the Bloom campaign is just one example of how our coordinated approach brings out the best in our local community. We will be building on this even more in the near future with the launch of Our Place, which will seek to promote civic pride of place and a greater pooling of resources and understanding to further embed the Team Shrewsbury ethos across the board.
“To be crowned Champion of Champions, especially in this auspicious year, the 50th anniversary of the Britain in Bloom campaign, shows how, by working together, we can make Shrewsbury an even better place to live, work and visit.”
Judges visited the town during the summer when the town’s floral displays and public green spaces were moderated against demanding standards and strict criteria.