Oldham unveils eye-catching Bloom and Grow centrepiece ahead of North West competition

THIS YEAR’S vibrant Bloom and Grow centrepiece in the town centre has been unveiled.

The borough is aiming to put a smile on the faces of residents and judges alike as they look to retain the Best City in North West in Bloom title for the seventh year in a row.

They are also looking to repeat their national successes in the Britain in Bloom competition, in which they won Best City in 2012 and 2014.

And this year Oldham has been nominated for a place in the Champion of Champions category, along with six other cities, towns and villages, following previous years’ outstanding successes.

The WOW bed feature in Oldham town centre

This year, to keep in with the Royal Horticultural Society theme of ‘Greening Grey Britain’, Oldham Council has produced an eye-catching town centre display that demonstrates the importance of wildlife and conservation.

The bed features a ‘Bug Hotel’ complete with oversized bugs and a reception area, welcoming people to the town.

Its animated design brings a bit of fun to the town centre and will attract the interest of residents, especially children.

The bed will stay on show throughout the summer after which it will be reused elsewhere in the town.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, said: “As ever our Bloom and Grow centrepiece grabs you as soon as you see it.

“We wanted something to wow the judges especially given our entry into the Champion of Champions category of Britain in Bloom.

“Hopefully its fun and colourful design will spark conversation between adults and children alike and will impress the judges when they visit us.

“Our success with Bloom and Grow is down to the collective efforts of the council, residents, schools, businesses and community groups who all pull together throughout the year, show civic pride and admirably take responsibility in making our borough look its best.”

This year the route the judges will follow starts at The White Hart, Lydgate after which the tour will take in several Saddleworth villages before heading back to Oldham Town Centre.