Littlehampton takes blooming gold

BLOOMING brilliant, the only words to describe Littlehampton’s crowning as the best larger floral town in the south and south east.

The resort struck gold in the category for towns with a population of 12,000-35,000 and was voted category winner too.

Trailing in Littlehampton’s wake were possibly more fashionable rivals including Chichester, Faversham, Hailsham, Alton, Ryde and Sittingbourne, not to mention East Grinstead and Haywards Heath. None of the other entries achieved the gold standard.

Littlehampton in Bloom Committee chairman Margaret Bolton said: “I would like to say a big thank you to all our volunteers, to the council officers and the traders who all support the work of the committee, and to the community of Littlehampton.

“We have an amazing community spirit in our town and it’s lovely to have some good news to report in a bleak time, nationally. The In Bloom Committee will be meeting again in November to agree where we go to now that we have reached the top of the awards.

“It’s vital that we keep the community spirit alive in Littlehampton and local people interested in keeping our town looking so beautiful.”

Town mayor Joyce Bowyer hailed the victory as “a marvellous achievement and a proud moment for the town. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our success.”

Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun cabinet member for the environment said: “The result was down to the efforts of many partners, including Littlehampton Town Council, Arun District Council, Littlehampton Traders Partnership, Littlehampton Allotments and Leisure Garden Association, ISS Facility Services Landscaping and Littlehampton Civic Society.

“Perhaps most importantly we must recognise the dedicated and passionate members of the community who contribute so much time to ensure Littlehampton remains an attractive place to live and visit.

“Particular mention must go to the volunteers of the Beach Town Action Group, Mewsbrook Park Community Support Group and Community Inspired Amenities who took time to meet with judges, as well as the pupils from Arun Vale infant school who enthusiastically showed the judges around their school wildlife and vegetable gardens. Well done everyone.”

Judges Kevin Tait and Stevyn Ricketts visited the town in July and were impressed with many aspects of Littlehampton’s bid, including the floral displays at the railway station, an edible bedding display in the Chennevieres-Sur-Marne Garden, floral planters in High Street, Brookfield Park and Mewsbrook Park and the nautical themed street furniture.

Regeneration projects such as the empty premises posters depicting scenes from Littlehampton’s seafront, the lack of litter and graffiti in and around the town, the Western Road Community Garden and the “Adopt an Alley” scheme also drew praise.

Several businesses also made significant donations to the 2010 campaign, including Cartridge World, FA Holland & Son, the Littlehampton Gazette and Going Spare.