Blackburn wins floral Gold for Britain in Bloom

30th October 2017

Blackburn Town Centre is celebrating after scooping a Gold Award in this year's Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) national Britain in Bloom competition.
The town was a finalist in the new “BID” category for areas represented by Business Improvement Districts.

Britain in Bloom groups from across the UK were at the RHS Britain in Bloom awards ceremony last night where the winners were announced.

RHS judges visited the 78 finalists over the summer to assess each group against three key criteria: community participation, environmental responsibility, and horticultural achievement.

Depending on the standard reached, a Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver or Bronze medal is awarded, with a winner in each category and discretionary awards for achieving excellence in particular fields.

Between them, this year's Britain in Bloom finalists planted over a million trees, bulbs and other plants, transforming villages, towns and cities into green havens that lift people's spirits and improve their wellbeing.

Councillor Jim Smith, Blackburn with Darwen Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: “Working together with the businesses in the town centre has been key to this success and, with the support of the BID, it is testament to this partnership work that our town has been recognised nationally.

“By working together, pooling resources and attracting volunteers, our money now goes further. We are thrilled that the town has been recognised at such a high level with this Gold Award.”

Harriet Roberts, manager of the Blackburn BID, said “Working in partnership with the Council's dedicated gardeners and all the volunteers has shown what can be achieved and we are incredibly proud.

“Blackburn town centre was awarded Gold in the Best Town Centre category of the regional Britain in Bloom competition last summer and to have now won a national award is incredible news. It goes to show what can be achieved when we work together.”

The businesses who are members of the Blackburn BID fund the additional floral displays and their maintenance, which have brightened the town for the last few years.

Pictured: Pictured above (L-R): Eddie Maxwell, Parks Manager at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council with BID Executive Board Member, Pele Mathauda of Pellé, Town Hall Street, with one of the displays earlier in the year.