Crosby succeeds in North West In Bloom competition

Nov 5 2009 by Lyndsay Young, Crosby Herald

Waterloo and Crosby secure success in the North West In Bloom competition

COMMUNITY spirit has helped Crosby and Waterloo scoop a regional award.

A huge effort by green-fingered folk won the area a runner-up award in the North West In Bloom competition.

Residents spruced up their gardens and funding was put forward by Crosby Area Committee for floral displays in preparation for the awards.

Cllr Andrew Tonkiss, who is chairman of the Crosby and Waterloo in Bloom group, received the award with Ann Somers, who was representing the group and St Luke’s Church.

He paid tribute to the hard work put in by the many volunteers including those from St Luke’s Church, Forefield Junior School, Queensway allotments and the contribution by Waterloo Residents Association who worked with Waterloo Primary School children at the Marine gardens.

Cllr Tonkiss said: “We clearly need to raise more funds to improve upon the runners-up position and become the best in the North West.

“There are opportunities for us to grasp and to raise our profile for next year’s bid. We cannot solely rely on Sefton Council to provide the funds or administration although the £1,000 provided by Crosby Area Committee was well used and helped in a small way to achieve the success.”

The awards were held at the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.

Seaforth won the North West in Bloom Trophy and Southport was named Best Large Coastal Resort.

Cllr Lord Ronnie Fearn, Sefton's cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said: “This success is reward for all the hard work put in by our staff, contractors, local communities and businesses who have been involved in making sure the borough looks clean, tidy and bursting with colourful flowers and plants.”

Any resident or business that would like to get involved in the Crosby and Waterloo in Bloom Group can call Cllr Tonkiss on 07814 649 361.