Fill shops for awards success say judges

Heart of England in Bloom judges made the suggestions after the Town of Flowers missed out on the regional small city title to Newcastle-under-Lyme by just one point.

But they still heaped praise on Shrewsbury, giving it a gold award and describing it as being in the "Premier League of floral towns" despite facing continuous funding cuts.

Officials at Shropshire Council, which is responsible for the town's roundabouts and street furniture, said major improvements were planned to areas such as Pride Hill as part of Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package.

But they added there were areas for improvement in the landscaping around the new roundabouts but appreciated this was a "work in progress" and they suggested that vacant shops would be dressed in such a way by Shrewsbury Business Improvement District to make them less of an eyesore.

But the strongest criticism was reserved for the town's street furniture.

Judges said it "really did let the town centre down" and added that it would be good to see a programme of maintenance put in place once the areas have been redeveloped so that the judges are "assured the issues are dealt with rather than simply being accepted for what they are".

They added: "It was, as ever, a delight to visit and witness the pride of everyone.

"The town fully embraces the Bloom ethos and is able to blend horticultural excellence with far reaching environmental quality – they respect the great heritage of the town but are able to keep up with becoming a town fit for the modern age providing a quality of life that is the envy of others."

They picked out Salop Leisure and its new glamping complex for particular praise, saying the landscaping around the natural bathing pool and newly planted tree and bulb area "bring year round interest to the site".

Once again the jewel in Shrewsbury's crown was The Dingle and the more than 770 planted containers that are dotted around the town.

Town clerk Helen Ball said: "Bloom isn't just about flowers – it is about the communities.

"We lost out to Newcastle-under-Lyme, who were voted category winners, by just one point. But I don't begrudge them the win as they raised their game."

Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Under Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package improvements will be made in a number of locations but, as the primary shopping street in the town centre, the physical upgrading of Pride Hill – which will include resurfacing, new street furniture and other improvements - is key to this enhancement work.”

l Pride – See Page 4