Keighley in Bloom 2008 - Silver Winners
KEIGHLEY
The enthusiasm of the Keighley In Bloom Group was very evident throughout the judging tour. It was unfortunate however that the lack of maintenance with regard to uncut verges and weed growth in hard landscaping areas didn't compliment the overall entry. These issues must be addressed if Keighley is to improve its standard within the competition. The In Bloom Group are to be commended for their dedicated effort both in spring and summer to make Keighley a better place to live and visit. Keep up the good work.
SECTION A – FLORAL DISPLAYS
The judges were particularly impressed by:
1. The majority of the floral displays were to a high standard including roundabouts.
2. Sponsored barrier planters and baskets in the town centre.
3. The standard of residential gardens.
4. The continuing projects & developments at Oakworth School are to be commended.
4. The voluntary efforts at East Riddlesden Hall in terms of horticulture.
Areas suggested for future development:
1. If Cliff Castle is to be included in a future tour the overall standard & maintenance must be improved, eg litter & weeds.
1. The Local Authority must support the entry, especially with regard to grass cutting/weeds in hard landscaped areas.
2. Attempt to evidence quality businesses & commercial entries to support this aspect of the criteria.
3. As part of your preparations for 2009, ensure that you showcase some of the best residential gardens.
4. Continue to identify and roll-out projects that harness and engage young people.
SECTION B – PERMANENT LANDSCAPING, INCLUDING SHRUBS
The judges were particularly impressed by:
1. Oakworth Sensory Garden Project is to be commended.
1. Marley Allotments & the & the Cellar Project.
2. Sustainable planting at East Riddlesden Hall was to a very high standard with newly introduced interpretation for plant life.
3. The overall standard at Hillworth Lodge & Highfield Court residential areas providing a mix of summer colour.
Areas suggested for future development:
1. More attention needs to be given to the maintenance of grass verges/hard landscape areas.
2. More evidence is needed re involvement/evidencing of industrial & retail parks.
3. Continue to showcase quality residential gardens.
4. Identify appropriate projects to showcase and harness young people to enhance this aspect of the criteria.
SECTION C – LOCAL AGENDA 21 AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The judges were particularly impressed by:
1. Goose Eye Mill Pond and the development of access for disabled anglers.
1. Redcar Tarn, especially the newly installed interpretation board.
1. Oakworth Sensory Garden.
2. Recycling initiatives at Stockbridge Recycling Depot.
2. The overall standard & recycling initiatives at Marley Allotments (Cellar Project).
Areas suggested for future development:
1. Encourage more involvement of children/young people & conservation of the local environment, especially at venues such as Cliff Castle.
2. Identify appropriate initiatives to improve this aspect of the criteria & look to evidence the educational values of the project.
SECTION D – LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
The judges were particularly impressed by:
1. Absence of litter in public parks & gardens within the town centre and outer areas.
1. The overall cleanliness of Oakworth School.
2. Overall condition of street furniture.
3. The community spirit and the Oakworth Sensory Gardens.
Areas suggested for future development:
1. The need to eradicate weed in hard landscaped areas must be a priority.
2. Carry out a street furniture audit and look to implement an ongoing maintenance programme.
3. Secure funding to undertake the closed cemetery project adjacent to Oakworth Sensory Garden. This will greatly improve the overall landscape of that area.
SECTION E – PUBLIC AWARENESS/PUBLICITY