Midsomer Norton in Bloom.

[18/07/05 B&NES]

Work is well underway to prepare Midsomer Norton’s North Ward for its first entry to the South West in Bloom Competition.

The bid came at the suggestion of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Chamber of Commerce who are seeking ways to demonstrate the strong community pride in the area.

With the support of Bath & North East Somerset Council and Norton Radstock Town Council, a working party has been established to prepare the entry and ensure the town looks its very best on the day.

The judging takes place at 3pm on Tuesday July 19 and will involve a tour of the ward taking in residential areas, the allotments at Radstock Road, the Greenway and even the local waste and recycling centres – sustainability is a key criterion of the competition.

Community involvement is also a vital element and the tour will include Midsomer Norton Primary and Welton Primary Schools’ conservation areas and tree planting schemes, as well as the efforts made by local businesses to brighten their premises.

Cllr Nicole O’Flaherty, Executive Member for Tourism, Culture and Leisure, said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council prides itself in its fabulous floral displays and I am delighted that Midsomer Norton and Radstock are entering this year’s South West in Bloom for the first time. This is an excellent example of the Council and local organisations working in partnership for the good of the whole community.”

Chair of the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Community Pride group, David Evans said “We are very grateful to all those who have worked so hard to prepare the ward for the In Bloom entry. Our intention is to take a long term view and increase both the quality and the size of the entry in future years”.