Businesses are being urged to throw their weight behind Nantwich in Bloom as the town goes for gold in the national floral contest.
Nantwich has scooped gold for ‘Best Town’ in the Britain in Bloom regional heat over the past three years.
And volunteers have their sights set on more medal glory in 2017.
But more help is needed to impress judges and cover the costs of turning the town’s planters, tubs and baskets into a riot of colour.
Nantwich in Bloom chairman Tony Percival said: “We have made contact with most of the large corporates in the town centre but sadly no sponsorship has been forthcoming.
“The exception again is Martin & Co, a local company and tremendous friend of our efforts.
“The firm has sponsored our central flower bed on the town square for the past two years and is kindly onboard again for 2017.
“The square is a focal point when judges come to visit every July and this support has helped us achieve great things.
“Winning gold for a fantastic three times in a row is huge credit to Martin&Co and all the volunteers who give their time to keep our town looking its floral best.”
Nantwich in Bloom’s 20 green-fingered helpers will take to the streets with their bedding plants and trowels in May.
Businesses can help the floral effort by decorating frontages with hangings baskets, window boxes and planters.
Householders are asked to spruce up their gardens and keep them looking tidy.
Town centre displays will be themed around red, yellow and orange flowers this year.
The design of the central bed, sponsored by letting agents Martin&Co, is under wraps until May.
Managing director Shaun Cafferty, chairman of the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “As a business in the heart of the town centre, we care about its reputation and appeal to visitors who help support the local economy.
“So we support Nantwich in Bloom as its volunteers put a back-breaking effort into making our town look beautiful every year.
“They give Nantwich a very special wow factor and although they do get some commercial support, it’s not at the level you would expect. We were very happy to back the team.”
The firm also supports Nantwich Fete and Schoolzfest which will fill the town with family activities on July 1.
(Pic: Nantwich in Bloom chairman Tony Percival (left) and Martin&Co managing director Shaun Cafferty)
I used to run a business in another nearby town, and the moment the local council took an interest in floral decorations, the takings shot up due to extra visitors interested in spending their cash in a pleasant town. Any business that does not apppreciate all the hard work done by these wonderful unpaid gardeners to make the town look wonderful is quite frankly bonkers!!