Oldham has once again driven away with the Best City Prize at the Royal Horticultural Society’s prestigious North West in Bloom competition.
The borough has now been nominated as the region’s representative for Britain in Bloom 2016 in the Best City category.

The judges awarded the borough the top prize, along with a ‘Gold’ rating – the highest that can be achieved, at an awards ceremony held in Southport that was attended by community gardeners from across the region.
This is now the sixth year in a row the borough’s entry, Bloom and Grow, has travelled back home with the trophy.

Oldham also bagged the Best Town Centre in the North West award.

Councillor Jim McMahon, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Bloom and Grow is a team effort so to win Best City for the sixth year in a row is a truly outstanding achievement and a real honour for the borough.
“As in the past our entry has put a smile on the faces of members of the public and also the RHS judges.

“This award reflects the hard work, dedication and commitment from all those residents, schools, communities and businesses that were involved and I’d like to use this opportunity to thank them all for doing their bit.

“A lot of people show pride in our borough; let’s make sure that it’s reflected by how we make it look in the future.”

As usual our entry into the competition showcased the best the borough has to offer.

This year’s theme showcased how we are all pulling together and driving change.

The WOW bed centrepiece display in the town centre includes a red phone box and an iconic Hackney cab – designed by Councillor McMahon and his two sons.

If you look carefully you’ll be able to see the display contains images of the town centre’s past, present and future.

And to show the display was not just for summer it is currently sporting a giant furry spider to mark Halloween and will transform again into a Christmas wonderland.

This year’s judging route took in Alexandra Park; the Boot and Beanstalk display on Emmott Way; Gallery Oldham; Huddersfield Road, including Waterhead War Memorial and Waterhead growing hub; Stoneleigh Park; the secret garden before heading back into the town centre.

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