-- Anthony Bull - 25 Nov 2008

ANGLIA IN BLOOM JUDGES REPORT 16th July 2008

Entrant: REDBOURN Category: SMALL TOWN Award: SILVER-GILT

Overall improvements throughout the Town have resulted in a significant increase in In Bloom standards this year. The addition of a colourful border in front of the bowling green at the Recreation Centre planted by volunteers and the extension of imaginative floral displays on the corner of Harpenden Lane and top of the High Street have made a valuable contribution. In the centre of the town the acquisition and creative development of Cumberland Garden is a great asset to local amenities.

Section A - Floral Displays: Standard: Silver-Gilt

The judges were particularly impressed by:

• The community involvement in, and the extent and quality of floral displays throughout the Town. • The impressive tiered planter gateway arrangement on entering Redbourn via the Chequers roundabout. • The tub and hanging basket displays outside and around New Forge Place sheltered housing. • The Museum garden and high standard of residential garden annual displays. • The extent and high standard of business and commercial decorative displays.

Suggestions for future development:

• Continue to maintain the high standards already achieved. • Consider further planting of spring bulbs in suitable grass verge locations and perhaps down the Avenue from Church End. • Encourage even more commercial premises in floral displays.

Section B - Permanent planting including shrubs: Standard: Silver-Gilt

The judges were particularly impressed by:

• The bed design and planting on the Chequers roundabout. • The car park at the Recreational Centre. • Datalogic's landscaped rock garden and water feature. • The attractive beds including many roses around St. Mary's Churchyard and Church Hall. The upkeep of the war memorial.

Suggestions for future development:

• The judges were again concerned at not seeing some local allotments showing more evidence of recycling, composting and water conservation. • Continue to maintain the high standards already achieved.

Section. C - Local agenda 21 and sustainable development Standard: Silver-Gilt

The judges were particularly impressed by:

• The management of the Common as a conservation area and public open space for sports and other recreational activities. • The rainwater collection at New Forge Place and the Transept. • The attention to biodiversity interests in Cumberland Garden. • Composting facilities in Cumberland Garden. • Recycling bins at the Recreational Centre.

Suggestions for future development:

• Consider the installation of rainwater butts on other suitable buildings in the town. • Provide an interpretation board in Cumberland Garden.

Section D - Local environmental Quality: Standard: Silver-Gilt

The judges were particularly impressed by:

• The absence of litter, graffiti and the cleanliness of the Town and its environs obviated by a regular litter pick schedule. • The provision of good seating around the Town and public open spaces particularly on the Common.

Suggestions for future development:

• With the popularity of Cumberland Garden the addition of more bench seating may become appropriate. • The judges would like to have seen more evidence of children's public play areas.

Section E - Public Awareness: Standard: Silver-Gilt

The judges were particularly impressed by:

• Public awareness of the Town's In Bloom activities generated in the press, local radio, parish magazine and other publications. • The young children's competitions for In Bloom posters. • The well designed and informative portfolio providing an all the year round account of the Town's In Bloom campaign.

Suggestions for future development:

• Continue to maintain the high standards already achieved.