Gardening campaign set to grow

OLDHAM is preparing to compete in a national “Bloom and Grow” campaign.

The town’s entries in North-West in Bloom have scored a hat trick of regional wins: Best Town Centre in 2009, Best City in 2010 (based on the size of the electoral roll) and Best City Gold Award in 2011.

The annual entry is back for the fourth year in a row — and the stakes are even higher, with Oldham competing in the prestigious Britain in Bloom — a national competition with entries from across the country — for the first time.

This year’s theme is “Anniversary” in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee and also to celebrate the Olympics coming to this country.

Bloom and Grow aims to help the whole community feel proud of their neighbourhoods and town, encouraging residents to play a vital role in keeping the borough looking beautiful, clean and attractive all-year round.

Schoolchildren are also doing their bit by taking part in the annual Blooming Banner competition. Entrants will design a banner that sums up having pride in Oldham.

Elaine McLean, executive director of Oldham Council’s economy, places and skills, said: “Bloom and Grow is about us all feeling proud of Oldham — how we all do our bit to make it a better place.”

TV presenter Joe Swift is lending his green fingers to the town’s effort for the third year.