SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, has praised residents in Wrexham for helping the city pick up another top award.
Mr Rowlands, a keen supporter of the environment and chair of the Seneddd’s Cross-Party Group on Tourism said: “I am delighted to see Wrexham being awarded another gold in the Wales in Bloom Competition, in the city category. What a great boost for the area.
“They did really well last year thanks to the many local volunteers as well as the Council team, and it is encouraging to see that their hard work has once again paid off.
“I think it is great to get communities involved so they can actually see the fruits of their labours and once again put the wonderful city of Wrexham firmly on the national map.
“After winning gold last year they were invited to represent Wales at Britain in Bloom where they are up against London and Dundee. That result will be announced soon and fingers crossed they will come out on top.”
The competition’s message ‘Helping Communities Grow’ encourages community support in order to improve the local environment.
Across the city centre and surrounding villages members of the public and the local authority came together to plant flower beds, scatter wildflowers and showcase their gardening prowess.
During their visit the judges visited Coedpoeth to see a natural wildlife front garden, before heading to the refurbished Pentrebychan Nursery to see the new polytunnels which are helping to boost the council’s sustainable growing.
From there it was on to Bradley where residents showcased their communal and formal gardens and the FCC Recycling Centre to have a talk on recycling rates and other environmental projects.
Judges were greeted at the Erlas Walled Garden by users and volunteers from the project for a tour of the site and the school gardening club at Rhosnesni High School showcased their green finger credentials with their impressive vegetable and sensory gardens.
During the City Centre visit judges spoke to Wrexham Council Chief Executive Ian Bancroft, Leader Cllr Mark Pritchard, Deputy Leader David Bithell, as well as Wrexham Mayor Cllr Beryl Blackmore.
The tour ended at Tŷ Pawb where judges met a team from Wrexham Litter Pickers, council trainees and other members of the Environment team.
In their feedback, the judges said: “We were incredibly pleased to both see and hear about the broad spectrum of volunteering opportunities that allow residents to be actively involved in caring for their local greenspace.
“Wrexham’s commitment to environmental responsibility is clearly documented in your portfolio. Well done!
“The Wrexham recycling statistics as presented by FCC Environment are indeed impressive, it was good to hear about the types and numbers of events being organised to encourage the residents and businesses in Wrexham to recycle further.”
