'Blooming' lovely Falmouth in running for finals (From Falmouth Packet)

'Blooming' lovely Falmouth in running for finals

10:00am Sunday 3rd February 2013 in News

Falmouth's parks, gardens and open spaces will come under intense scrutiny this year as the town fights it out in several national, regional and local competitions.

It has just been revealed that Falmouth has been selected to represent the South West in the coastal town with over 12,000 residents category in this year’s RHS Britain in Bloom finals. It is up against the likes of Bournemouth, Bangor, Great Yarmouth and Cleethorpes.

Falmouth is also being entered into the South West and the Cornwall in Bloom competitions and will once again be applying for Green Flag status for Kimberley Park.

Judging for the national finals will take place during July and August when Britain in Bloom judges will descend on the town. They will be looking at the maintenance of parks and communal gardens, the management of natural spaces such as wildflower meadows and conservation areas, community initiatives to promote recycling and environmental awareness and projects involving schools and residents.

Town councillors were told the national nomination will bring with it extra work. “It brings certain requirements including a more enhanced portfolio which we are doing in partnership with Cormac Solutions,” said town clerk, Mark Williams.

“If councillors are aware of any green space initiatives that might merit an In Your Neighbourhood award they should let me know.”

Falmouth’s success is also being celebrated by MP Sarah Newton who said: “Reaching the finals of the Britain in Bloom competition is a considerable achievement and I know Falmouth will be a real contender.

“From our magnificent, and distinctly Cornish, town parks, to the many beautifully-maintained private gardens, through to the town-wide focus on the environment, contenders in the finals will face real competition from Falmouth and the dedicated groups and individuals who look after its green spaces.”

The national winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held in Cleethorpes in October.