Newport Pagnell is blooming great - and that's official!

The judges were extremely impressed with the remarkable amount of volunteer gardening that takes place in the town: from church gardens to pavement displays and from community orchards to the maintenance of Ousebank Gardens.

The litter picking volunteer’s day was seen as hugely signficant too. Green Park Primary School received a highly commended award, and Cedars School, who entered for the competition for first time this year, got a commended award.

Points were lost on some environmental issues, with dog fouling considered to be a big negative. Residents are asked to take litter and dog bags home for disposal. This year the rain didn’t help the grass mowing schedule, and with big budgetary cuts to principal authorities, weed spraying as a non-statutory service is very low on Milton Keynes Council’s list of priorities.

Another new initiative for Britain in Bloom next year will be the open gardens day on 4th June 2017. Anyone willing to open their garden to the public for one day next year should contact Shar Roselman, Town Clerk, on 01908 618756 or email at [email protected]

> The litter picking day will return on July 5, 2017.