Repairs to a popular garden in Tenby have been undertaken by the resort’s ‘In Bloom’ committee as they gear up for the resort’s annual floral competition.

Following storms that hit last year, damage was caused to the fence surrounding Gilroy Phillips Gardens located at South Cliff Gardens nearby to Tenby Bowling Green, and the Tenby In Bloom committee recently dipped into their own pot to fund a new one.

“It has cost us about £3,000 to fund a new fence and we’ve had to dip into our own coffers for the finances, but it couldn’t just be left like it was as it looked a mess, and first impressions are vital to our economy, with a lot of effort going into making gardens such as this look lovely ahead of the summer season,” said Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, chair of Tenby in Bloom.

“While Pembrokeshire County Council do their best maintaining the standards of the town’s public gardens and keeping the streets clean and tidy, it is no secret that continuing budget cuts are making it increasingly difficult for them to maintain things the way they, and the town, would like, so it is falling more and more on organisations such as ourselves to fund matters like this.

“The Tenby in Bloom team will be out and about fundraising over the summer, and we’re also on the look out for anyone who thinks they can help in any way with weeding, painting etc.”

Launching this year’s Tenby in Bloom competition last week Clr. Mrs. Lane said that, while the town was not participating in national Bloom competitions this year she was still urging people to pull out all the stops to help Tenby keep its famous reputation as the floral seaside resort of Wales.

“The criteria for ‘in Bloom’ competitions are steep. They don’t just include the floral displays they include environmental issues, street cleanliness, landscaping, conservation, recycling and public participation and awareness,” she continued.

“These are things we need to continue to work hard together to improve to enhance the town and just because we’re not in a competition, Tenby in Bloom is not going to slack off.”

The competition has resulted in very high standards of displays in recent years and Sue hopes this will long continue.

“The hanging baskets have been a big success and every little bit helps. This year we’re asking local traders to support us by having special window displays for the floral events.

“The pubs, restaurants and hotels always give their full support with their window boxes and hanging basket displays so it would be great if other traders in the town could come on board too.

“Our Tenby in Bloom competitors, both private individuals and businesses, are a real credit to the town. They work tirelessly year after year to provide us with spectacular results, and then allow our judges into their cherished gardens.

“We really admire them and urge them to keep on making Tenby a brighter and tidier place, and we’d like to thank everyone who keeps this up year after year.

“We would like to offer a big thank you to all our sponsors past and present and all the local individuals, organisations and businesses that have offered, and continue to offer, their financial or physical support

“By all locals, organisations and businesses pulling together in this way we can show the world what we who live here already know, Tenby is blooming great!

“If everyone can help just a little bit it will go a long way to present the right image,” she added.

Anyone able to help the Tenby in Bloom committee can contact Clr. Mrs. Lane on 01834 845680.

Judging for the Tenby in Bloom contest will take place on Wednesday, July 17.