Bloom future under threat

From the Redditch Advertiser, first published Tuesday 26th Jun 2007.

THE future of Alcester in Bloom could be in jeopardy after the directors of the Heart of England Tourist Board decided to stop trading at the end of the financial year.

Britain in Bloom is a national horticultural competition which has been an integral part of the Alcester calendar for many years but without the support of Heart of England, which organises the regional competition, the long-term future of the contest is in doubt.

Alcester in Bloom chairman Maggie Payne said: "We've been assured that the arrangements for the 2007 Heart of England In Bloom competition and ceremonies are unaffected by this and steps are being taken to ensure the competition for 2008 and beyond.

"As far as Alcester is concerned, we will always continue to enhance the town with flowers, as I'm sure the community will also."

In December 2006, Advantage West Midlands decided it was not going to renew its contract with the Heart of England Tourist Board to support its activities, leading to a reduction in the board's funding.

The board also felt it would not be able to raise enough money to plug the gap itself through its leisure and activity offers to the public.

Chief executive of the board, David Moyser, said: "It remains our intention to complete a number of important pieces of work this year, such as delivering the 2007 Heart of England in Bloom campaign through July.

"The board of directors would like to take this opportunity to thank all those businesses and individuals that have worked with us over many years for their support."

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