19 September 2006

Water-efficient planting, colourful floral displays and cleaner streets – the result of hard work by community groups, local businesses and the team at the Borough Council – have led to three top awards for Guildford in this year’s South East In Bloom competition.

Cllr Jen Powell, Lead Member for People and Partnership and Chairman of Guildford in Bloom, says: “This brilliant result shows yet again that Guildford has an environment to be proud of. It is a credit to all the hard work put in by everyone involved, including our dedicated team which looks after our parks and countryside for everyone to enjoy. We’re also lucky to have such enthusiastic community groups and local businesses”.

The high standard of upkeep of Guildford's parks, countryside and town centre led to the town being voted Best in Category in the Large Town section of the competition. Riverside Park’s tranquil setting won it a coveted Silver Gilt in the Country Parks category. The council also picked up a Waterwise award for its trail-blazing initiative in saving water throughout the borough.

The residents of Westborough were also awarded a Community Action award for their work on local woodland and open space.

The South East in Bloom judges commented that, “…new initiatives are very much evident whilst established sites are still managed with enthusiasm. Guildford is, yet again, one of the highest achievers in the competition”.

Adds Cllr Powell: “It is particularly pleasing to win a Waterwise award which shows how seriously we take conserving water”.

To find out more about Guildford’s success, please contact Sally Crundwell on 01483 444715.

This initiative is part of Guildford Borough Council's commitment to improving residents’ local surroundings, by focusing on issues that matter most to them such as a cleaner, safer and greener environment.