COMPETING for the first time in 20 years, Minehead has won a Sargent Cup silver award in this year’s South West in Bloom competition, it was announced this week.

South West in Bloom is one of 18 regional competitions which make up the RHS’s Britain in Bloom competition, the biggest horticultural campaign in Europe.

The aim of the competition is to improve and regenerate local environments and neighbourhoods through imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping, conservation and recycling projects, and sweeping away the eyesores that blight streets, such as litter, graffiti and vandalism.

Winners are judged on horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.

Commenting on the awards, presented at a ceremony at Weston-super-Mare, Darren Hill - Somerset West and Taunton Council operational lead for street scene and open spaces - said: “Despite a difficult year, balancing the after effects of Covid and an unforgiving and relentless growing season, the entire team has worked exceptionally hard to ensure all our parks and open spaces were kept clean, tidy and well maintained.

“Not only have they been fantastic in achieving this, but there’s been a great demonstration of collaborative working between our volunteers, friends groups, Minehead BID and the town council. Well done and thank you to everyone involved for achieving such a great result during what has been logistically one of the most difficult years ever!”

Cllr Andrew Sully, portfolio holder for environmental services, said: “I wish to extend my thanks to everyone for their hard work throughout the year. It was an absolute privilege to show off our fantastic towns, all of which looked their very best on the judging days.

“These are fantastic results and certainly well deserved. Our staff, contractor and especially the volunteers and friends’ groups, have put in time and energy over the past, very testing year.

“Community involvement plays an important role and it’s thanks to the support and involvement of Minehead BID and our volunteers and friends groups that we’ve managed to achieve success in these awards.”

Cllr Toni Bloomfield, chairperson of the town council’s amenities and environment committee, said: “It is absolutely amazing for Minehead to get this award in its first year back in the competition after many years.

“We are very lucky to have such outstanding and committed members on the groundsmen’s team. They take great care and have real pride in their work. Well done to all involved. ” 

BID chairman Graham Sizer said this week: “I am so pleased that Minehead has been recognised for its efforts but even more pleased that it shows partnership working - particularly with the town council - is the way forward.

“Times have been hard and resources stretched over the last couple of years. The town needed to get back on its feet, and by the comments received from residents and visitors, it seems our collaborative efforts hit the mark.

“BID just played its part and we hope the continued pooling of ideas between us, our councils and maybe other organisations, will take us even further next year.”