North West in Bloom 2008

Blooming marvellous Tameside has done it again

For the fourth 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 Liverpool.

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 secured the local authority environmental award as well as receiving awards for Dukinfield’s Central Estate (Community Housing Award) and Willow Wood Hospice (Hospital Grounds Award).

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 fourth year running.  We are 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".

Judge Bill Blackledge said: “The flower displays in Stamford Park were some of the best I’ve seen in the North West all year.”

Judge Brendan Cooke said: “One of my major roles in judging is to assess the amount of litter, and I have found that very difficult here in Tameside because there isn’t any!"