SUMMER may have been a bit of a national wash-out, but it hasn’t stopped two areas of Merseyside cultivating some award-winning floral displays.
Visitors to Woolton and Southport can now cast their eyes on award-winning displays, after both the Liverpool suburb and Mersey seaside town scooped gongs for their creative efforts.
The prestigious Britain in Bloom competition, run by the Royal Horticultural Society, awarded gold to Woolton in the “best large village” category – second only to category winner Falkland, in Scotland – while Southport scooped a silver in “best large coastal resort”.
Woolton’s floral efforts wowed judges when they visited in August. Boasting the theme Local Roots, the display included a horse-and-cart feature on the junction of Kings Drive and Speke Road, and a striking new raised flower bed on Menlove Avenue.
More than 100 planters and hanging baskets dotted around the village added to the colourful display.
Joint chair of Woolton in Bloom, Cllr Barbara Collinge, said: “We were absolutely bowled over when the judges announced we had won gold.
“Woolton’s greatest asset is its community spirit and we have gone the extra mile this year to put on a wonderful display. This is a fantastic result for everyone who has worked so hard.”
Cllr Berni Turner, executive member for the environment, said: “This is brilliant news in our year as European Capital of Culture, and shows that the suburbs of the city really are as stunning as our world-famous landmarks.”
Meanwhile, Southport was named joint runner-up for the best large coastal resort.
Judges who visited last month enjoyed a tour of the best beauty spots, including Churchtown’s Botanic Gardens, the famous Lord Street boulevard and the promenade.
They were also shown community gardens and local residents’ front gardens, and met children from Churchtown Primary School.
Cllr Lord Ronnie Fearn, Sefton’s cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said: “We are delighted that Southport has won an award and is one of the best large coastal resorts in the country.
“Southport is a beautiful town, and the judges were shown some of our fantastic beauty spots.
“We are so pleased that the judges were impressed with the town and have given Southport an award – it is testament to all the hard work that takes place across the borough to make it a great place to live, work and visit.”
