Banbury has been revealed as a finalist for the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom Competition 2020.
Experts from the RHS will visit the town in early August, inspecting the horticultural, community and environmental efforts on display.
Banbury’s entry will be led by Cherwell District Council’s landscape and cleansing teams, in partnership with Banbury Town Council, Continental Landscapes Ltd, and with support from local businesses and community partners.
Cllr Dan Sames, Cherwell’s lead member for clean and green said: “This is recognition for all the hard work carried out by a range of people to keep Banbury looking so appealing. From cleaning the streets and watering the hanging baskets, to keeping our parks looking so inviting, Cherwell, Banbury Town Council and our contractors and partners should be extremely proud of this nomination.”
Cllr Colin Clarke, chairman of general services at Banbury Town Council said: “It might seem odd to be thinking about a floral competition in the depths of winter, but we have teams working throughout the year, maintaining our green spaces and preparing them for the splash of colour in the spring and summer. Be in no doubt, we will have everything ready for the RHS judges when they visit Banbury this August!”
Banbury has already seen success in the RHS Thames and Chiltern In Bloom competition 2019, gaining first place in the Regional Award for Heritage, as well as overall winner of the Town Centre category. The town will now compete with 69 other entries from across the UK in a bid to be named overall winners of the Britain in Bloom 2020 competition.