Middleton to enter In Bloom competition

Councillor Neil Emmott

Middleton is set to enter the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain In Bloom North West competition this year.

Councillor Neil Emmott, the council’s cabinet member for housing and environment, said: “Last year, with only three of the four township areas involved, the borough won 28 In Bloom awards, 16 of them for council projects. Now that Middleton has joined and every area is gunning for green-fingered success, we have an even bigger chance of winning more awards. I’m sure that with help from the council’s fantastic environment team, the people of Middleton can create something to rival the other township areas.”

Everyone is invited to take part: Friends of Parks groups, community centres, local businesses, individuals, families, pubs, schools, nurseries, Surestart centres, libraries, parks, sports centres, train stations, bus stations, town centre, churches, youth clubs, police station, allotments and anyone interested.

Until this year, Middleton was the only town in the Rochdale Borough not to enter the contest.

The Borough’s prizes in 2016 included both ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Thriving’ Achievements, Gold Medals, Silver Gilt Awards and even a Heritage Award for the reopening of the River Roch.

Rochdale’s entry showcased some of the best horticultural projects from across the town and highlighted some of the amazing work done by community groups, schools, businesses and residents, alongside more structured municipal planting.

If you would like to be part of Middleton In Bloom, have some ideas or simply find out more about the project, meetings will be held on the on the first Monday of every month, at 1pm- 2.30pm and again from 6.30pm- 8pm at Springvale Youth Centre, Oldham Road, Middleton, M24 2LD.

Entries must be submitted by 31 March 2017 and will be judged in July and August (exact dates to be confirmed).

The finals will again take place at the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre in October.