The dedication of Biffa’s street cleansing team has been recognised by Newent in Bloom organisers at a prize-giving at this year’s Onion Fayre.
The team, search responsible for keeping the town’s streets and many of its public spaces clean and tidy on behalf of the Forest of Dean District Council, treat received an award in the category for ‘best public and community effort.’
Newent in Bloom spokesperson, Lynn Ashton, said: ‘Newent in Bloom relies on the support of volunteers, local businesses and community groups and we are delighted that this year the town has been able to submit another strong entry in the regional Heart of England in Bloom category. Getting the town ready for judging is a real community effort and requires a lot of hard work from all those involved. The committee was very pleased to be able to recognise the Biffa team, not only for how well they kept Newent spotless in the run up to the judging, which took place in the summer, but to thank them for their continued dedication throughout the rest of the year too.’
Councillor Marrilyn Smart, Cabinet Member for the Environment at Forest of Dean District Council, said: ‘It is wonderful news to hear that Biffa’s street cleansing team has been acknowledged. The team and their colleagues are out daily, in all weathers, making sure that all of the Forest’s town centres are cleansed and litter free, ready for the day ahead. The operatives take a lot of pride in their work and this is reflected in how good a job they have done, and continue to do, in Newent and across the Forest of Dean. We often receive praise from members of the public about the work the team does and this award is further testament to that.’
James Walker, manager at Biffa’s Cinderford depot added: ‘The award has given the team a real boost. They have been delighted to be involved in such a worthwhile community project and are already looking forward to supporting the event again next year.’
The Heart of England in Bloom category is one of seventeen regional areas which make up the Royal Horticultural Society’s annual Britain in Bloom contest. The awards have been running for over fifty years.
Newent in Bloom scooped a silver-gilt standard for their entry this year.