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Growing for Gold News

 
Growing for Gold
News release: Courtesy of Leicester City Council Press Office
 
 
LEICESTER will soon be a wash with colour as we ‘grow for gold’ in this years ‘East Midlands in Bloom’ competition.
 
East Midlands in Bloom is the regional competition of Britain in Bloom, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.
 
This year, Leicester’s theme is ‘Growing for Gold’ and will be all about celebrating the Special Olympics 2009. As such, the city will be dressed in blooms from the colour pallet of SOL – golds, yellows and oranges.
 
Last year Leicester was awarded the silver gilt award in the urban regeneration category of the competition for the second year running. Locations across Leicestershire also won a string of accolades and judges were particularly impressed with the high standard of cleanliness and the involvement of community groups.
 
This year, the city wants to go for gold and bag itself the highest accolade when the judges come to town on Thursday 16 July.
 
Councillor Andy Connelly, cabinet lead for leisure and culture, said: “Over the past couple of years we have done really well in the competition but this year we want to go for gold. We hope our city centre partners and local businesses will support this year’s scheme and help us to add a splash of colour to the city centre.
 
“It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Leicester as the most friendly, environmental and clean city in the region.”
 
Between may and July, the council’s highways, cleansing and landscaping staff will be working hard to ensure that the streets, street furniture, open spaces and flower displays are looking their best.
 
Thousands of bedding plants and hundreds of hanging baskets and troughs will be used to bring a colour and vibrancy to the city centre.
 
Local businesses are being encouraged to support the scheme by putting up floral displays and brightening up their premises.
 
Information about how local businesses can get involved or become a sponsor of Leicester in Bloom is available from Sherilyn Pereira on 0116 252 6389. Alternatively, email: sherilyn.pereira@leicester.gov.uk