AFTER more than ten years of sitting back and watching other towns and villages pit their flower beds against one another, Chippenham Town Council has decided to enter this year’s Britain in Bloom campaign.

The council, who have just finished putting the Corporate Strategic Plan 2018-2022 together to help promote Chippenham, feel that this is the town’s year for success.

Entering the Town Centre and Pride in Parks categories, the town are hoping to transform the town centre, John Coles Park and Stanley Park Sports Ground into a colourful display of beautiful flowers and green spaces, ready for the steely eyes of the judges.

“We used to do the back garden category years ago but this is a much nicer and inclusive category for the town to take on,” Councillor Desna Allen, chairman of the amenities, culture and leisure committee, said.

“We thought it would be the best category because we have got a headstart and we have got some jolly good ground staff who I’m sure would like to see their talent and dedication rewarded.

“The competition fits in with our corporate strategic plan and the fact that we want people to see and contribute to our vision for the town.”

The town council originally withdrew their support for the competition years ago after the town was grouped with large and coastal towns.

Now that the categories have broadened and an emphasis put not only on horticultural displays but also on a broad range of issues from tackling litter, conservation, sustainability and a sense of community spirit, councillors showed their support for this year’s entry at a meeting earlier this month.

However, as the town is not entering the In Your Neighbourhood catergory, green-fingered residents are being asked to share their ideas and lend the ground staff a hand in turning the town into a colourful and inviting place to be.

“We would welcome any ideas people may have as well as volunteers who want to help our ground staff out,” Cllr Allen added.

“It is just as much for us as it is for the town and anyone who wants to get involved is welcome.”

Anyone interested in helping the council with their bid in John Coles Park, the town centre or Stanley Park Sports Ground, should call Chippenham Town Council on 01249 446699 or email enquiries@chippenham.gov.uk.

‘It is just as much for us as it is for the town and anyone who wants to get involved is welcome.’