Residents scoop record number of green awards

Residents across Manchester have shown they are determined to make the city even greener by taking a record number of accolades at this year’s RHS North West in Bloom awards.

Groups won a total of 107 awards from the prestigious show held in Southport - nearly doubling last year's results.

Residents from Moss Side won five awards in the first year groups from the area entered the competition.

Groups who helped transform Brockley Avenue, Santiago Street, Broadfield Road, and Thornton Road all scooped awards, while Cranswick Square, where residents had set up their own planters and hanging baskets, was given the RHS's highest category of 'outstanding'.

Residents from Moston also won gold for transforming North Atherley gardens, while the area won a silver award in the ward category, and Harpurhey won a total of 14 awards.

Meanwhile, Didsbury received the best neighbourhood award. Judges also gave the area a gold award in the Urban Communities Category and nominated it to go through to the national Britain In Bloom awards for the second year running.

The Best Alleygate Award went to Derbyshire Road in Newton Heath, where residents had created a hidden gem with everything from fruit vegetables and flowers to wormeries and bird boxes.

Silver awards went to Newton Heath, Charlestown, Cheetham and Blackley in the urban communities category.

North Manchester General Hospital's Horticultural Therapy Unit won silver gilt for best hospital grounds as well as a commendation  from the judges' discretionary awards.

Volunteers from Blackley Forest received a gold award for their efforts, working year-round to turn the area into a green oasis, while residents from Mirfield Road in Higher Blackley also took gold for transforming a set of run-down garages into a community growing space.

Councillor Paul Andrews, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: "Manchester residents should feel proud of the effort they've put into making their neighbourhoods look even better.

"Every year, our residents win more awards during prestigious  competitions such as North West In Bloom, proving what we all know - that these efforts are paying off. We should be particularly proud that Moss  Side, where residents entered for the first time, won no fewer than five  awards."

Wendy Simms, chair of the Cranswick Square residents association in Moss Side, said: "Receiving this award sends out a positive message that if residents get together we can achieve anything. We've completely changed the area and we've left a great legacy for our children."