This in from Cllr Chris Whitehouse, IWC Conservative member for Newport West.
The future of Wight in Bloom was called into question in December 2011 when the council, then led by the Conservative administration, decided to pull out of providing staff time used to organise the event.
Before the Independents were in power, they pledged support for Wight in Bloom in their 2012 budget amendment – Ed
An Isle of Wight Councillor today says “It’s a blooming shame” that the annual Wight in Bloom competition seems destined to come to an end after its organisers failed to find sponsors.
Speaking today, Cllr Wayne Whittle (Ryde North East) who speaks on Tourism and the Economy for the Conservative Group of Isle of Wight Councillors, said:
“The Wight in Bloom competition has in past years been a real crowd puller for the Island, encouraging our towns and villages to put on their Sunday best for our visitors and brightening up the whole Island.
“We all benefit from a more colourful environment and a boost to the tourist trade. But, this year the organisers haven’t been able to secure the very limited sponsorship they need to keep the competition going.
“It’s a blooming shame” adds Cllr Whittle “I hope we can persuade businesses and parish councils to step in and make sure this splendid event is not lost.”
Competition organiser, Peggy Jarman, from Seaview, says:
“In the past we have had support from MiracleGrow, then from WightLink and more recently from the Isle of Wight Council, but this year they have all declined to help fund the project.
“We only need £3,000 to run the competition and I do hope that all those who want to see the Island at its best and as a flourishing tourist destination will think how they can help out.”
The sponsorship funds are used to enable voluntary local groups to buy plants and flowers for their villages and for the awards evening.
Contact details
Those who may be willing to contribute are asked to contact Mrs Jarman on (01983) 615944.
“Please help” says Cllr Whittle “As Mayor of Ryde, I was thrilled to accept the 1st prize last year on behalf of the town of Ryde. The end of this competition will be one more nail in the coffin of the Island as a great tourist destination.”
Image: shankaronline under a CC BY 2.0 license
