Newcastle-under-Lyme brings home GOLD in Heart of England Awards
The town's received high praise from the judges after their visit
Judges at the Heart of England Bloom Awards have handed a gold to Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, has received the top spot in the BID category and has been named Overall BID Category Winner for the second year running.
Heart of England in Bloom is part of the wider RHS Britain in Bloom campaign and judges far more than flowers. The criteria span horticultural excellence, environmental responsibility, biodiversity, sustainability, cleanliness and community participation, perfectly aligning with the BID’s vision to create an attractive, animated and welcoming town centre.
This year’s judging route (Heart of England tour) showcased a cross-section of the town’s people and places, beginning at Brampton Museum with Giggles & Wiggles nursery children in the sensory garden, moving through Brampton Park and into the town centre to see flora and fauna roundabout sculptures created by apprentices as part of a sustainable landscaping project. Judges also visited creative interventions including Rob Fenton’s market mural on Hassell Street, the ‘Our Castle’ photography project with NSCG Level 3 BTEC Photography and Digital Media students and the Castle Flags competition which transforms the town into an open-air gallery. The tour concluded in Queen’s Gardens, home to vibrant summer planting and the Queen Elizabeth II statue by local artist Andy Edwards.
BID Manager, Charl Pearce said:
“It’s great to be recognised among such strong entrants. Last year was our first year in the BID category and set a high bar and it was fantastic to again tour the judges around Newcastle-under-Lyme and showcase the brilliant work we deliver with the Borough Council team, our community groups, businesses and partners.”
Cllr. Craig Skelding, Cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, said: “We are incredibly proud that Newcastle-under-Lyme BID has once again been recognised in this way – on a regional stage – following three decades of sustained success under the council’s stewardship."
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