Britain in Bloom bid for local authority

The local authority was responding to a letter from the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) requesting that the borough represent Northern Ireland in the annual horticultural event.

Congratulating the council on its recent win in the ‘Large Town’ category of the Ulster in Bloom competition, NILGA Chief Executive Derek McCallan wrote: “In an effort to take the council’s success further we plan, with your support, to put Carrickfergus forward to represent Northern Ireland in the ‘Large Town’ category of the 2014 Royal Horticultural Society , Britain in Bloom competition.

“We believe Ulster in Bloom has made a major contribution to the environmental improvement of Northern Ireland over the last 35 years and in association with Britain in Bloom, it has generated valuable positive press coverage for all involved.

“Participation in the competition motivates staff and encourages contributions not only from the commercial sector but also local community groups.”

With a recommendation to progress the bid previously agreed at Carrick Council’s Parks, Countryside and Amenities Sub-Committee, a majority of councillors voted to support the nomination at Monday night’s meeting of the Chief Executive’s Office.

However, several members expressed concern over availability of funding relating to the competition, despite previous assurances that the nomination would be feasible at current finance levels.

Considering the possibility of additional costs outside of the council’s ‘Brighter Borough’ budget, Councillor Jim McClurg indicated that it may be appropriate to forgo attendance of the Britain in Bloom awards ceremony in favour of hosting judges or community representative in Carrick or Whitehead.

Meanwhile, Cllr David Hilditch also raised concerns over the condition of the Knot Garden at Joymount - a focal point for judging in previous years.

“It’s somewhat disturbing in relation to the Knot Garden that there was not the budget left for planting; how are we going to move towards Britain in Bloom if there’s no finance in that department? There should be money there to assist our partners in maintaining that area,” he said.

“In the months ahead we will see the true cost of entering Britain in Bloom and it will not be what we see before us tonight.”