Town council is ‘committed’ to Bloom competition

TOWN councillor, Jack Oatley, has reassured residents that the town council is “committed” to supporting Melksham’s entry in the South West.

At a recent meeting of the town council’s community development committee, the councillor said that he was “concerned” about the “lack of understanding” in the community about the work the town council contributes in preparation for the competition alongside the volunteer group Melksham Bloomers. 

Eyebrows were then raised in the community when cllr Oatley asked that a report be prepared outlining the work the town council does for the competition and how much it costs – which sparked some speculation that the council might be considering pulling its support. However, the councillor has explained that the report will only serve to help the town council be more transparent about how they spend taxpayers’ money and that he ‘strongly believes’ there is no threat to the council’s involvement. 

Explaining his reasons for requesting the report, cllr Oatley told Melksham News, “The Melksham Bloomers do fantastic work and have had some great achievements for our town.  

“The town council should continue, and will remain committed, to support the work the group does and its ongoing entry in the South West in Bloom competition.  

“Every year the council has a budget, this budget is made up of taxpayers’ money and therefore taxpayers should be aware of the work the town council carries out and where that money gets spent.  

“The report will clarify what works are undertaken for the town’s floral display each year and which aspects are delivered by the council and which by the volunteer teams.  As a town council, and councillors, we need to be more clear on how money is being spent, and be able to demonstrate why that money is being spent.  

“Would this threaten the town council’s involvement? No, I strongly believe it won’t.” 

Melksham currently has its fingers crossed for its fourth gold win in a row at the South West in Bloom awards – with an Olympic-themed display in the Market Place. Judging day takes place next week on Wednesday 14th July.