South West in Bloom is one of the 18 annual competitions that help to make up Britain in Bloom, the biggest horticultural campaign in Europe.
The aim of the towns and communities that take part each year is to help improve and regenerate our local environments, through the imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping.
Localised conservation and recycling projects are also encouraged to sweep away the eyesores that blight our streets, such as litter, graffiti and vandalism.
Taunton has received recognition for its stunning floral displays winning a Silver Gilt award in the Pennant Town category at this years’ South West in Bloom awards.
The Silver Gilt medal adds to the Green Flag awards gained by SWT for its open spaces this year.
Cllr Richard Lees, executive councillor for sports, parks and leisure, told Tone News: “We are delighted to win the Silver Gilt Award this year.
This award is a terrific achievement for Taunton, which has a good track record in the South West in Bloom competition.
I must congratulate our Open Spaces team who work so hard to ensure our towns are welcoming and vibrant.
Much of the town’s success is also due to the hard work and commitment of volunteers, individuals and groups who give up their time and energy to help Taunton look its best and I would like to thank them for their dedication.”
The South West region is from Bristol to Cornwall and the judges came together in July this year (2019) to make their decisions with the awards being presented at a ceremony in Newquay.
Groups who take part in the Britain in Bloom competition regularly have share details of how the wider community has benefited from being recognised. These include:
- Increased visitor numbers and a stronger local economy
- A stronger sense of pride of place, contributing to reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour
- A cleaner and greener place to live and visit, with higher environmental awareness
- New partnerships between local authorities, businesses and community groups
- More funding opportunities to support specific activities
- Higher volunteer numbers, enabling groups to have a bigger impact
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Photo: courtesy of Craig Stone Photography
