Nantwich in Bloom organisers launch bid for national title

Nantwich businesses are being urged to throw their weight behind Nantwich in Bloom as the town goes for gold in the national floral contest.

Britain in Bloom judges have named the town Best in the North West for the past two years and organisers of the local effort hope to make it a hat-trick this summer.

But further help is needed to impress judges and cover the costs of turning the town’s planters, tubs and baskets into a riot of colour.

Nantwich in Bloom chairman Tony Percival said: “We have made contact with most of the large corporates in the town centre but sadly no sponsorship has been forthcoming.

“The exception again is Martin & Co which has sponsored our main flower bed on the town square for a second year.

“We’re very grateful for the support as that will be a focal point when judges visit us again in July.”

Red, white and blue will be the theme of the planting effort as part of Nantwich’s tribute to the Queen in her 90th year.

Reaseheath College is helping with the design of the town centre flower bed sponsored by Martin & Co.

Managing director Shaun Cafferty said: “Nantwich in Bloom volunteers put a back-breaking effort into making our town look beautiful every year.

“They give Nantwich a very special wow factor and although they do get some commercial support, it’s not at the level you would expect.

“As a business in the heart of the town centre we were very happy to support the team.”

Over the past decade Nantwich has scooped Best Town in the North West eight times.

Its flower power has also earned Best Kept Railway Station and volunteers have been honoured with a Little Gem award.

The committee’s team of green-fingered helpers will take to the streets with their bedding plants and trowels over the next couple of weeks.

(Pic: Nantwich in Bloom chairman Tony Percival with Shaun Cafferty and Hannah Wharton of flower bed sponsors Martin & Co)