Town’s floral glory for second year running

The town’s floral features and hospitality wowed competition judges, despite district council cash cuts.

Delighted driving forces, who face even more cutbacks, have called on residents to ensure Ottery stays bloomin’ beautiful in its bid to achieve gold glory in 2011.

“We’re never going to have tens of thousands of pounds, but we do have a community spirit like nowhere else,” said Ottery in Bloom chairman Sarah Clarke.

“I’m sure this year we were right at the top of the silver award, without the funding and planting we had from East Devon District Council (EDDC) .

“We lost that help, but still pulled together various aspects of the community.

“It’s about improving our town, not about the amount of flowers we have. We want to make our town better and I think we did that really well.

“To those of you who just tend individual planters as you pass by, a big thank you.

“Next year really is going to be a case of pulling together, we really need people to do their own little bit.

“To achieve gold, there is a need for additional support from all of the community, maybe volunteering to water or maintain one small display from June to September. With points awarded for environmental matters and conservation, it’s not only green fingers that can help.”

It is the second time in two years Ottery has achieved a silver award in South West in Bloom’s Ayre Cup.

The town had gone a decade without any floral recognition.

Sarah said she was proud of her small Ottery in Bloom committee and thanked youngsters from the Guides, Rainbows and Brownies for their “invaluable” help.

She praised Otter Valley Rotary Club members who watered flowers weekly, saying they were integral to the success.

Otter Nurseries was thanked for its “magnificent” display on St Saviours Bridge, along with other supportive businesses like Otter Rotters.