TWO Kirklees towns won silver medals in the Yorkshire In Bloom contest.
Batley and Dewsbury were entered in the competition’s towns category.
It is the third year running that Dewsbury has achieved silver and the second year running for Batley.
In Batley the judges were won over by floral displays at the entrance at Wilton Park and the quality of the three-tier planters in the town and the cleanliness of Market Square and the Memorial Garden.
In Dewsbury the floral displays on Long Causeway, the hanging baskets in the precinct and the display at the Mecca were highlighted by the judges.
They also commented on the cleanliness of the Long Causeway Gardens and the hard work of the volunteers in maintaining the wild flower garden at Crow Nest Park.
In both towns the judges commended the hard work and enthusiasm of volunteers involved in making the towns look their best.
Clr Ken Sims, the Kirklees Council Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is a wonderful achievement for our towns and credit must go to local businesses, schools and residents who have worked hard to make Batley and Dewsbury look wonderful.”
Other areas of Kirklees also performed well in the competition.
The Piazza shopping centre in Huddersfield won a silver gilt medal in the shopping centres and retail parks category, Upper Hopton won silver in the village category, the Ponderosa Therapeutic Centre at Heckmondwike took silver gilt in the visitor attraction section and Oakwell Hall at Birstall won silver gilt in the country parks, estates, parks and gardens class.
Overall, 100 communities took part in this year’s Yorkshire In Bloom campaign.
A further 160 groups took part in special categories.
Maurice Barn, chairman of Yorkshire In Bloom, said: “In spite of the dreadful weather we have had Yorkshire people have been determined to do their best and provide the county with wonderful floral displays.
“People of all ages are showing that they really want to make the places where they live or work as attractive as possible. We applaud their efforts.”
