Loughborough in Bloom strikes gold once again

Published: Thu 26th September, 2024

Loughborough’s open spaces have received the highest accolade at the East Midlands in Bloom awards.

It is the thirteenth time since 2011 that the town has claimed the Gold award for its glorious parks and open spaces.

The awards ceremony was held in Melton Mowbray on Wednesday, 25 September.

Pat Cook, chair of Loughborough in Bloom, said: “It is fantastic news that we have been awarded gold once again at the East Midlands in Bloom finals.

“A lot of hard work goes into the open spaces from the Loughborough in Bloom board and a huge amount of volunteers as we work in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council and its partners.

“This is thoroughly deserved and I would like to thank all of our community groups and volunteers.”

The judges for East Midlands in Bloom visited Loughborough in July and were shown around the open spaces in the town including Queen’s Park and Forest Road Greenbelt.

The open spaces are maintained by the Council’s partner, idverde, waste contractor Serco and volunteers and community groups from across the town.

Matthew Bradford, head of contracts for leisure, waste and environment at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that Loughborough in Bloom has won gold once again.

“This is testament to the hard work of everyone involved in maintaining our open spaces, including our open spaces partner, idverde, and our waste partner, Serco.

“We have so much pride in our open spaces and will continue to strive to make sure they are at a top standard for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Loughborough also won the category for Best Small City with 92 points (out of 100) and there was plenty more Charnwood success.

Pat Cook won a Judges' Award for the floral display outside her house, while John Storer House in Loughborough picked up an It’s Your Neighbourhood Award for the Thyme Project on the Mountfield Allotments.

Elsewhere, Barrow upon Soar won Gold and their category of Best Small Town with 96 points, with Annette Richardson collecting a special award in recognition of her contribution to that project.

Congratulations and thanks go to Annette’s team of volunteers for all their hard work, and to Barrow upon Soar Parish Council for their support.

Loughborough has also been chosen to represent the region in the Britain in Bloom awards this year in the small city category. Results for the Britain in Bloom finals are set to be announced in October.

The judges were told about the variety of community projects which make up Loughborough in Bloom when they visited in the summer. The full portfolio for 2024 can be found here: www.charnwood.gov.uk/loughboroughinbloom.

The Council maintains over 900 acres of open spaces in the borough through its partner idverde.