Oswestry scoops gold in annual Heart of England in Bloom competition

The awards, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, judged Oswestry the deserving winner of a Gold Award in the prestigious event.

As members of Oswestry in bloom committee, Shropshire Council’s street scene team (north west) work tirelessly all year round, and an extra push is made in the run up to judging day to improve the town’s visual appearance for locals and visitors.

The team has held a number of deep cleans in the town centre, which included gum removal on the York stone pavements, fly poster removal and daily litter picks. The team has also worked with the Community Payback scheme to repaint the litter bins and bollards on Festival Square and weed the town centre.

Councillor Martin Bennett, Shropshire Council’s deputy cabinet member, said:

“It’s the seventh year in a row that the town has been a gold winner of this prestigious award in the large town category – a truly fantastic achievement!

“The teams work extremely hard throughout the year to ensure that the town always looks at its best.”

Vince Hunt, Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry West, said:

“I am delighted that Oswestry has received this award yet again. It is a reflection on the hard work by many people and I thank them for their work; it makes Oswestry a truly lovely place to live, work in or visit.”

Keith Barrow, Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry South, said:

“This is absolutely brilliant news. It’s such a tribute to everyone who has worked hard to make the town look so beautiful.”