‘Bourne is better thanks to In Bloom efforts’

Bourne Town Council has said the £1,200 that is designated for the East Midlands In Bloom Competition is “money well spent”.

The competition which the community have been working hard towards will this year be judged on Monday, July 13 at 2pm.

Bourne has won a number of awards since entering the competition for the communities efforts, which the council say “has notably improved certain aspects of the town”.

The development in the town’s appearance has been achieved through increased numbers of volunteers and sponsorships.

This year the sponsors for large planters include George’s Fish Bar 2, Delaine Buses, Bourne Prepare Produce, Carlsberg UK and the Larkfleet Group.

The town clerk Nelly Jacobs, who coordinates the competition, has praised the efforts of sponsor Len Pick, and Debbie Cook who has given up her own time to maintained the flower beds in front of the former public toilets in South Street.

Nelly said: “I am sure everybody would agree that this colourful flower and shrub bed has created such a fantastic display to a former, very dreary site.”

The Bourne Academy pupils have also lent a helping hand this year by producing artwork for the roundabout and bus station.

Nelly said: “ With South Kesteven District Council’s agreement, the work can be fitted onto the large shelter which will brighten up another part of town.”

The Wellhead Park, Memorial Gardens and the lawn area have continued to be worked on by the Bourne United Charities and Nelly said Bourne was lucky to have “such fantastic green spaces in the middle of town”.

This year the number of people adopting Black and Gold planters has increased.

Nelly said she would be grateful if these individuals could ensure the planters contain coloured flowers, no weeds, and that they are watered regularly.

Bourne Town Council and Len Pick Trust have subsidised hanging baskets which will be available to buy from town centre establishments for £5.

The council will be lending equipment to volunteers who are interested in taking part in litter picking sessions, which will be run before the day of judging.

Bourne are aiming for gold this year after winning the Silver Gilt Award for the last three years. Anyone interested in volunteering or being a sponsor should call 01778 426123 or e-mail clerk.bournetc@btconnect.com.