THE South West in Bloom – Melksham team are appealing for volunteers to help tackle a Market Place eyesore – the former Tavern pub.
The long-standing and popular town centre pub has stood empty since it closed its doors for the final time in December last year. With judging looming for this year’s South West in Bloom competition, volunteers are worried about the impact the untidy building could have on Melksham’s chances of winning gold for the third year in a row.
The team plan to form a working party of volunteers to tackle the building, getting it ready for when the judges visit on Friday 5th July.
Speaking to Melksham News, chair of South West in Bloom, Kathy Iles said, “We are gunning for the gold award again this year, which is very nerve-wracking! Once again the Market Place will look stunning, but the Tavern building is like a thorn in our side – it looks dreadful, something needs to be done.
“We need volunteers to form a working party. A date is yet to be decided, but it will in the evening as most of the volunteers work full time.
“The agents selling the building have been contacted and permission granted for us to tidy the building up. We plan to clear away the planters, weed the patio and paint the boards covering the windows to make them look like windows again.
“Whilst we are aiming to win gold for the third year in a row, we’d love to win our category overall and bring home the Portman Cup this year as well – so any help offered will be greatly appreciated!”
To volunteer to help the team, email Kathy at swib melksham@gmail.com; call the Town Hall on 01225 704187; or contact the ‘Bloomers’ through their Facebook page: www.face book.com/SWIBMelksham
