12 July 2006
Guildford in Bloom will celebrate 25 years of success this summer and it looks set to be another great year as the South and South East in Bloom judges head for Guildford later this month.
In the last 25 years, on top of winning the South East in Bloom competition 20 times and the overall Britain in Bloom competition twice, Guildford Borough Council has also awarded close to 3,800 prizes to local residents for their green-fingered efforts and raised over £185,000 in sponsorship from local businesses.
Chris Bruce, Head of Parks and Countryside Services, explains:
"Whilst the campaign has come to be associated mainly with pretty flowers and colourful displays it has also contributed significantly to feelings of civic pride over the years. The picturesque beds and baskets also help to boost the local economy through increased tourism.
"Guildford in Bloom also promotes litter free streets, picturesque landscapes, the regeneration of disadvantaged areas and long term improvements to the local environment through planting, floral displays and increased cleanliness. Guildford Borough Council is dedicated to maintaining high standards of cleanliness, environmental awareness and quality of life throughout the Borough and the success of Guildford in Bloom is proof of that."
Local residents and businesses have contributed to the continuing success of Guildford in Bloom by entering their gardens or sponsoring hanging baskets, displays or roundabouts. Gardens will be judged on their colour, design, choice of plant, conservation and lastly gardeners' enthusiasm.
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.
For more information about Guildford in Bloom or South and South East in Bloom contact Parks and Coutryside Services on 01483 444715 or email parks@guildford.gov.uk
Press contact: Laura Hanbury, Assistant Communications Officer
Tel: 01483 444337
Fax: 01483 444023
Email: laura.hanbury@guildford.gov.uk