Leicester In Bloom 2008

Hard work improving the look of the city and county has paid off as they scooped a host of titles in the East Midlands in Bloom awards.

 

Leicester came top in the urban regeneration category of the competition with a silver gilt award for the second year running. Locations across Leicestershire also won a string of accolades.

An old car filled with flowers and placed on the central reservation of a main road caught the eye of the judges in the city. They were also impressed with the high standard of cleanliness and the involvement of community groups.

 

Councillor Andy Connelly, cabinet lead for culture and leisure, said: "It's great that we've won this award for the second year running. I'm sure we'll get gold next year now the works in the city centre have been completed. Everyone involved in the competition must be congratulated, from the gardeners, street cleaners and highway staff to members of the bloom committee. "The award will reinforce that Leicester provides an exciting and vibrant environment for residents, businesses and visitors alike."

 

Judges said the city was just two points away from a gold award.

 

Stuart Marbrook, Leicester in Bloom co-ordinator, said: "The award reflects the great amount of effort put into the competition. It has also given us the opportunity to showcase the regeneration work that has been taking place in the city. "The award coincides nicely with the opening of Highcross Leicester and, in particular, John Lewis, which has been our main sponsor this year."