Newark Town Council partners with Newark In Bloom to make town centre colourful

Seventy businesses in Newark town centre are to receive free hanging baskets.

Newark Town Council is providing the blooms to those who paid to have them last year.

The council is again working with Newark In Bloom to promote Newark and make the town centre a colourful and attractive place.

Last year, Newark achieved a gold award in the East Midlands In Bloom contest.

Although this year’s competition has been cancelled, the council is keen to continue supporting the town in these difficult times and will be maintaining the flower displays.

Town clerk Alan Mellor said: “The council would like to thank all those businesses who have supported Newark In Bloom over the last few years by taking part in the hanging basket scheme and sponsoring a floral display outside their premises.

“These floral displays make a significant contribution to the town centre environment, adding colour and beauty to our rich architecture.

“The council appreciates that many businesses have been hit extremely hard by the lockdown and the knock-on impact this is having on the economy and has therefore decided that it will retain the hanging baskets for 2020.

“All participating businesses from last year will be provided with the same number of baskets and mangers free of charge.

“Apart from making the town centre an attractive place to visit over the summer, when the current restrictions on movement are gradually relaxed, it hopes that this gesture of goodwill will encourage them to continue to support the scheme in future years.”

Around 70 businesses took part last year.

The supplier again this year is Helliwell Horticulture, who have won awards for their displays throughout the region.

“We have had a lot of positive feedback from our customers and we aim to achieve an even better display this year,” said Mr Mellor.

“Each basket will be fully maintained and watered by the town council to ensure that they continue to look their best throughout the summer.”

Anyone with queries can call 01636 684805.