Caerphilly rewarded for its dazzling floral displays

Caerphilly county borough council has been awarded a 2nd place Silver Gilt award in the 'Large Town' category at this year's Wales in Bloom competition.

CCBC cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Lyn Ackerman, said, "We are delighted that Caerphilly as received this prestigious award from the Wales In Bloom committee. A lot of effort goes in to making the town centre attractive for shoppers, residents and visitors alike and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment."

Judging took place in July when Clare Price from the Wales in Bloom judging panel toured the town and was accompanied around the route by Simon Beacham, the council's Senior Parks Officer and Lyndon Evans, Caerphilly in Bloom volunteer.

Clare remarked that she found the town 'very welcoming' and 'the joint effort by the council, Cadw, local businesses, Arriva Trains, Caerphilly Town Council and the community all contributed towards the result.'

Other areas of achievement included the high quality public art, well-placed signage and excellent use of recycling and composting.

Simon Beacham said, "Clare had an opportunity to meet the local Fair Trade group, local councillors, the Caerphilly in Bloom voluntary committee and view a presentation of our year-round efforts to make the town a pleasant place for visitors and residents".

Clare was also very impressed with the large number of school gardening portfolios submitted as part of the internally run Caerphilly in Bloom competition and the efforts put in to run the annual Caerphilly Flower Festival in June each year.

This year's awards ceremony will take place at the De Valence Pavilion Tenby on 18th.