Blooming big hopes for Mansfield
Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society were given a guided tour of Mansfield this Wednesday (13 August) as they assessed the district for the Britain in Bloom competition.
Last year, Mansfield won the small cities category of the regional East Midlands in Bloom competition, securing this place in the prestigious national competition.
The judges were given a whistle-stop tour of the district's parks and open spaces, including Mansfield's three Green Flag award winning Titchfield, Carr Bank and Peafield Parks as well as the many and varied floral displays in the town centre.
The theme of this year's competition is Local Roots and the judges are looking for evidence of community involvement.
Mansfield can boast activities taking place throughout the year thanks to the friends of the parks and local nature reserves.
The judges will also be assessing nature conservation, sustainability, permanent planting and cleanliness of the district.
Mansfield's Executive Mayor, Tony Egginton, who accompanied the judges during their visit, is enthusiastic: "I was pleased to welcome the judges to the district. This is a wonderful opportunity to raise the profile of Mansfield nationally in this prestigious competition."
"For months Mansfield has been a hive of activity with Mansfield District Council staff, community groups, businesses and volunteers working away to transform the district into a floral haven."
"I have high hopes that the judges have found Mansfield looking its green, clean best and, hopefully, this will be reflected in the result of the competition."
Mansfield faces competition from Stevenage, Gateshead, Taunton and Banbury in the small cities category. The results will be announced at a ceremony in Chester in September
For more information on Mansfield in Bloom, please visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/mansfieldinbloom.