Firgrove is bloomin' lovely

Clifford Barron, Shirley Wilkinsin, Neil Chadwick and Councillor John Blundell with some of of the hanging baskets soon to brighten up Firgrove

Every shop in Firgrove is being offered a free hanging basket and planter to brighten up the village.

The flower bonanza is the idea of local trader Shirley Wilkinson and has been funded by Pennines Township.

Mrs Wilkinson, who runs a garden shop on Rochdale Road, said: "There are some great local businesses and Firgrove is a thriving community. Its great to see the local shops backing our plans to make our village more colourful.

Councillor John Blundell, who has helped set up a Friends of Firgrove group, said: "This is a great scheme and l was delighted to donate £700 from Pennines Township funds to support the project. It will really make the area blossom and put a smile on shoppers faces."

On Saturday 22 July the Friends of Firgrove are also organising a community planting day to add even more sparkle into the neighbourhood.

Neil Chadwick, chairman, said: "For too long Firgrove has been a bit of a backwater. Local residents and our local councillors are working hard to turn Firgrove into one of the nicest spots in Rochdale."

People with a few hours to spare who are interested in helping out at the planting day should meet at Wilkinson's Garden Shop at 10am on 22 July.