Tameside in Bloom sweeps the board

Blooming marvellous Tameside has done it again.

For the third year running the borough has scooped the top prize in the North West In Bloom competition.

Tameside won first place in the 'large city/ metropolitan borough' category at the awards held in Manchester.

Despite the adverse weather conditions over the summer Tameside staff, community groups, schools, residents and businesses all came together to make sure the borough was looking its best.

As well the top prize the borough also won the Cleansweep award and received a special commendation for Stamford Park, with judges praising, "magnificent bedding under difficult conditions."

Not only that, Central Estate in Dukinfield received a Certificate of Merit, and Brushes Estate in Stalybridge won a Certificate of Commendation, at the North West in Bloom Neighbourhood and Community awards.

Project head for sport and leisure Cllr Dave Sweeton said: “We are delighted that Tameside has scooped the North West Britain in Bloom award for the third year running. We were battling against the elements this year and I’d like to thank everyone involved with Tameside in Bloom for playing their part in making the borough an attractive place to live and work”.

An added bonus for Tameside, is the nomination to represent the north west region in the national Britain in Bloom competition next year. In 2006, the borough earned its first ever place in the national competition and came runner up in its category. Tameside plans to build on its previous success and go for gold in next year’s competition.