It’s prize time for private gardens

GREEN-FINGERED residents have been given extra time to enter the borough’s first private gardens competition with a cash prize worth up to £150.

The new contest — part of Bloom and Grow, Oldham’s bid for this year’s North-West in Bloom competition — is open to anyone who owns their own home or who privately rents accommodation.

The closing date has now been extended until next Friday to give residents more time to enter and show off their beautiful gardens.

Jackie Stanton, deputy council leader, said: “Even if you don’t have a lot of space it is still worth entering this competition.

“If your garden is very small you could still win as the judges are looking for tidy gardens, well maintained lawns, shrubs and flower beds. All that you need to take part is to have a garden that you maintain yourself.

“Simply then send in just two photographs of your handiwork — with a completed entry form — and the judges will do the rest.”

The cultivators of the best three gardens in each of Oldham’s six District Partnership areas will be invited to a presentation evening in November when the prize for the best garden will be awarded along with merit certificates and cash prizes.

For more information and to download an application form, log on to www.oldham.gov.uk or call 0161-770 4056.