Sefton blooms as NWiB judges heap praise on borough

Sefton is blooming lovely thanks to outstanding neighbourhood gardening projects.

Sixteen community locations across Sefton have been rated as ‘Outstanding’ in the 2017 North West In Bloom (NWiB) and It’s Your Neighbourhood awards, with a further 12 being rated as ‘Thriving’.

In the regional awards, Southport in Bloom was crowned Overall Winner in the Large Coastal Resort category, beating strong competition from across Britain.

Elsewhere there was was triple Silver success with Ainsdale, Crosby & Waterloo and Melling in Bloom all announced as winners.

Bridge In Community Farm’s work at Formby Train Station was commended as the winner of the ‘Best Railway Station’ Gold medal winner while Barford House in Southport won Gold in the Best Small Accommodation Category.

Judges for the awards visited 41 various locations across the borough during the summer to see the excellent efforts made by local community groups, volunteers and various organisations.

The groups, who have been supported by Sefton Council and its partners, were judged on horticultural achievement, along with ‘community involvement’ and ‘environmental responsibility.’

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“I’m absolutely delighted that the efforts of our community groups, volunteers and Steering Groups have been recognised by the judges.

“Green fingered groups and volunteers work tirelessly to make our borough sparkle and it is great to see such fantastic partnership working with the Council.

“28 entries from our clean, green and beautiful borough were voted either ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Thriving’ which goes to show how much time, effort and care goes into making sure Sefton is blooming.

“I would like to thank everyone for their efforts this year.”

A full list of winners is as follows:

I Improving

A Advancing

T Thriving

O Outstanding