Derry Deputy Mayor Alderman Gary Middleton with local gardeners and Danny McCartney, head of Ground Maintenance with Derry City council, and “Britain in Bloom” judges Rae Beckwich and Martyn Hird, as they prepare to tour the city and surrounding district.
“Britain in Bloom” judges have visited Derry which has been selected to represent the North in the prestigious competition.
Derry City Council showed off the city to a panel of judges in the hope Derry will win a top award in the “Small City” category to be announced in October.
Speaking after a reception in the Guildhall, Derry Deputy Mayor Alderman Gary Middleton said it was a “great honour” to host the judges and an “even better opportunity” to promote the city.
He added: “I know that Derry City Council and its strategic partners and local businesses have worked hard to make the city both colourful and welcoming.
“During our 2013 City of Culture celebrations and continuing into 2014, the city has never looked better.
“Just last month we welcomed many local and international visitors to the city during our LegenDerry Maritime Festival and as such the investment in appearance of the city with the provision of barrier planters along Quayside walkway and marina, precinct planters and bedding displays within our parks, cemeteries and roundabouts as well as along arterial routes into the city.
“Through a range of strategies and with continued support Council will continue to work to provide cleaner, greener and safer Parks and open spaces throughout the City.”
Danny McCartney, Grounds Maintenance Manager at Derry City Council said a “lot of hard work” had gone into the campaign already this year.
He added: “Our floral displays across the city have been really well received and the feedback we have been getting from the public has been very positive.
“This visit by the judges gives us the opportunity to show off what we have done in the city and a chance to promote the City in this positive way It would be welcomed by all who have contributed to the overall look of the City to have this recognised later this year at the award ceremony.
Since it started back in 1963, “Britain in Bloom” has grown into the largest horticultural and environmental campaigns.
Each year hundreds of communities get involved in an effort to make their town, village or city a more environmentally friendly and pleasant area to live, work and socialise in.
Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society a total of seven gold, 16 silver and seven bronze awards were presented to towns, villages and cities in last year’s competition.
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