Caerphilly has won the silver award in the town centre category in this year’s Wales in Bloom.
The annual Caerphilly in Bloom display, which took place in June this year, missed on the gold prize which was taken by Penarth. However, the display almost never happened.
Caerphilly County Borough Council withdrew its financial support for the display in December last year, with the town council increasing its spend on it from £8,800 to £11,150
With that hurdle jumped, Caerphilly in Bloom was again thrown into jeopardy with concerns that some of the lamp posts used for hanging baskets were unsafe. With just weeks to spare, the town council accused the county borough council of dragging its heels to inspect all of the town’s lamp posts. The inspections took place however and Caerphilly bloomed.
Deputy Town Mayor Huw Jackson said: “The town has not entered the awards for a number of years so it’s especially pleasing to get a silver award. We managed to overcome a number of issues this year such as the sudden withdrawal of county borough support in December and the removal of several lamp posts just as the display was about to be installed.”
Councillor James Fussell represents the St Martins ward on Caerphilly County Borough Council and is also a town councillor.
The Plaid Cymru member was responsible for much of the organisation behind Caerphilly in Bloom this year and said: “Caerphilly Town Council puts in a lot of effort and money into creating the display in the town centre every year and it’s frequently praised by visitors and residents alike.
“However, the award is also judged on community and business involvement, so we must thank the work of the local churches, Morgan Jones Park Community Allotments, Castle View Community Group and the Twyn School for their contributions. In addition we must, of course, also thank local businesses such as Castle Court Shopping Centre and Wetherspoons for their contribution.
“Thanks should also go to Chris Roberts of Boverton Nurseries, Jennie Thomas of JS Lee, and, although on the sidelines this year, the advice from Simon Beacham, of Caerphilly County Borough Council’s parks department, was invaluable. Without his support and guidance we would be in a sorry state.
“We will be hoping to involve more community groups in next year’s attempt and hopefully win gold.”
As well as the silver award for Caerphilly town centre, the Morgan Jones Park Community Allotment group scooped a first in its category.
Award win for allotments
Morgan Jones Community Allotments Group have won a gold award in the Wales in Bloom competition for the best allotment with under ten plots.
Dennis Bladen, chair of the allotments group, said: “There is a tremendous interest and one of our volunteers even travels from New Tredegar. All the volunteers can take away the vegetables they need. We are really pleased to have achieved this award as we have had a number of challenges, including antisocial behaviour, which has led to some damage and police involvement.”
Caerphilly Town Mayor Mike Prew said: “I am really pleased to present this award. The allotment is the result of a lot of hard work over the years by a few committed people.
“The allotment entry to Wales in Bloom, also supported the Caerphilly town centre entry, which resulted in a silver award.
“I am pleased to congratulate the allotment group for their success and thank them for their contribution to the town centre award.”
