Town in bloom with floral boost

Shrewsbury was today celebrating a second success in 24 hours after scooping an international floral title.

Officials spoke of their delight after the town won a gold medal on Friday in the Entente Florale followed up by victory just a day later in the International Communities in Bloom Competition.

Derek Caddy jetted out to New Brusnwick, Canada, to represent the town on Saturday.

The public amenities manager for Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council said the announcement of the town as winner was met with rapturous applause from dignitaries at the winners' ceremony.

Shrewsbury beat off competition from Aberdeen in Scotland, and several towns in the USA and Canada to claim victory.

Stan Sedman, chairman of Shrewsbury In Bloom, said the two results were a fantastic achievement and he paid tribute to townfolk and council staff for their support.

He said: "We won the International challenge part of the Communities in Bloom which is a great result considering we were facing the top towns across the world.

"Derek rang me from Metro Moncton where there were about a thousand delegates in a huge hall and when the announcement came up with the report on Shrewsbury it was absolutely fantastic.

"They were in raptures about everything to do with Shrewsbury, the buildings, the parks and they said our green areas were incredible."

Mr Sedman said judges had put together a 22-page document on Shrewsbury which reserved particular mention for the hospice gardens in Oxon and the level of community support shown in the town.

Councillor Judith Williams, borough portfolio holder for Britain in Bloom, said the accolades would provide an excellent boost for tourism.

She said: "It's absolutely amazing, it's a just reward for the work everybody has put in and proves that Shrewsbury is one of the best towns in the world to come and live, work and visit. I hope every opportunity is taken now by all the tourism people in and around the town to recognise this achievement.

"The people of Shrewsbury know what a treasure they have got and they look after it and this is just reward for everyone."

Mayor John Cooke said he was delighted with the town's achievement and said it had come despite a dismal summer.

By Russell Roberts