THANKS to great community spirit, Sidmouth in Bloom has transformed an area of land next to Lidl. Members of Sidmouth in Bloom got permission to re-plant the shrubbery in this area to continue the work of the Manstone and Woolbrook cleanup earlier in the

THANKS to great community spirit, Sidmouth in Bloom has transformed an area of land next to Lidl.

Members of Sidmouth in Bloom got permission to re-plant the shrubbery in this area to continue the work of the Manstone and Woolbrook cleanup earlier in the year.

They invited residents in Woolbrook close, who live opposite the plot of land, to donate money towards the cost of the shrubs.

Terry Yorke, a bloom group member, said: "We had been conscious of the poor state of this shrubbery for a while especially as for the last two years the Britain in Bloom Judges had to pass it to get to the fire station and other parts of their route.

"The residents willingly gave donations and they said they will also help in keeping the plants weeded and watered while they settled in.

"It is this sort of community effort which Sidmouth in Bloom needs to impress the Judges of Britain in Bloom and to keep Sidmouth blooming."

Kieron Bewes, the Herald's gardening expert, and W & J Garden care donated their time and expertise on Sunday and planted 14 shrubs, some of which they also donated.

Lidl also donated 250 litres of composted bark as mulch for the plants.

Terry added: ""This area is now looking good once again.

"By this time next year the plants will have settled in and the first flowers should have appeared."

Sidmouth in Bloom relies on donations to fund its projects and would be grateful to anybody who would spare time to help with new and existing projects. Contact details can be found on its website www.sidmouth-in-bloom.com.