Businesses urged to help town shine for Bloom

Melksham’s town centre businesses are being urged to help present the town at its best ahead of a visit from Britain in Bloom judges later this month.

Judges will visit the town on Tuesday 28th July after Melksham was entered into the Town Centre category rather than the main competition this year.

The judging will begin at 10.30am, with the judges meeting representatives before walking from the bridge along the High Street to the Market Place.

As well as floral displays, judges will be assessing the overall appearance of the town centre, including litter, weeds, graffiti and the condition of shopfronts and windows.

Members of Melksham Bloomers and the Town Team have been preparing for the visit by removing weeds, cutting back overhanging brambles and carrying out other maintenance work to help the town look its best.

Bloom team member Terri Welch said, “The judges are looking at everything, from dirty windows and cigarette ends to weeds and graffiti. Hopefully they won’t find any of those.”

“Bloomers and the Town Team have been working hard to get everything ready, but we need town centre businesses to do their bit as well. If everyone could make sure outside their premises is clean and tidy, flowers are watered and deadheaded and displays are looking their best, it would make a real difference because this time the whole town is being judged. We are proud of our town, let us show the judges our pride.”

The judges will also be presented with a portfolio highlighting how the community uses the town, featuring events and initiatives including the Christmas lights, Carnival, Makers Market, live music, flags and bunting.

Pictured: Banners made by the Melksham Flag Group to celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday as part of Melksham in Bloom. The banners are being displayed on the Town Hall.