Manchester is Blooming Marvellous

The outstanding efforts of green-fingered Manchester residents have been recognised this week, as local groups have won 31 Neighbourhood Awards at North West Britain In Bloom 2008.

Manchester also scooped three competitive prizes and five discretionary awards, while the city centre has earned entry to the prestigious Britain In Bloom 2009.

From north Manchester, Cheetham groups Hamerton Bloomers and the Jewish Museum, both entering for the first time, plus Irk Valley Estate, Chime Bank, and Crumpsall and Cheetham Allotments all received Neighbourhood Awards.

Other north Manchester groups nominated for Neighbourhood Awards were Charlestown, Blackley, North Atherley Gardens and Collyhurst South, who were first runners up in last year's Manchester In Bloom and were entering this competition for the first time. Blackley Forest recieved a Judges' Discretionary Award for Conservation and Environmental achievement.

The judges were so impressed by the Large Neighbourhood entries from Blackley and Charlestown that they suggested the group move to the competitive level of the awards next year, as Urban Community Category entries.

In the competitive section of the awards, Cheetham Hill came first in the Urban Communities category, having also won it last year and been runner-up in 2006.

Newton Heath in the east of the city took the RHS 2008 theme of Local Roots and Unique History to heart, celebrating its wartime effort by commissioning a 3D planted Lancaster bomber. The original bomber was built in Newton Heath and was critical to the Allied Forces victory in World War II. The Newton Heath In Bloom Residents Group continued this theme with members dressing up as landgirls, joined by real veterans for judging day. Their efforts were rewarded with runner-up in the Urban Communities category.

From south Manchester, Hulme won an Outstanding (Gold) Neighbourhood Award and was also named Best Large Neighbourhood for the second year running.

Didsbury was recognised with a Large Neighbourhood Award and a recommendation from the judges that it move up to the competitive level in the Urban Community Category next year. Disbury residents had also been involved in this year's RHS Tatton Show Flower Bed Competition, planting up a depiction of Fletcher Moss Gardens and assisting with the Impact flower bed entry, gaining a bronze and silver medal respectively.

First year horticultural students from The Manchester College designed and planted up bedding displays on Sale Road in Northenden, entering the competition for the first time this year.

In the city centre, Simon Fargher of Manchester Contracts designed the Bookworm display in the Princess Diana Memorial Bed, winning a Judges' Discretionary Award for Best Feature in a Public Place with his idea inspired by the national year of reading.

Overall, Manchester City Centre was awarded runner-up in the Urban Regeneration category and nominated to go through to Britain In Bloom 2009 in the same category, a notable achievement as winning at North West level does not gain automatic entry to the national competition.

Manchester neighbourhood resident groups are supported by and in some cases funded by Manchester City Council. The Council's own Environmental Services teams have also played their part in the city's success in North West in Bloom, improving the public spaces with council maintained flower beds, frequent litter removal and provision of recycling services in the area.

Councillor Paul Andrews, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services for Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester's success at this event is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of local residents who have strived to improve the image of the area for the enjoyment of everyone. The city has seen success grow year on year in this competition, as it becomes an ever more appealing place to live, work and visit."

MEDIA CONTACT:

Clare Mount, Press Office, tel: 0161 234 3729.