Flower power wins gold award for Islington

The London Borough of Islington is blooming marvellous and thats official!

 The borough scooped the prestigious gold award in this years London in Bloom competition, thanks to the wonderful floral displays on the streets and in local community gardens, parks, front gardens and businesses.

Judging took place in July this year, with the awards ceremony held on Friday (19 September). With a record number of entries to the boroughs own Islington in Bloom competition, Islington Councils greenspace team had plenty to show the judges who not only scrutinised the boroughs flowers and shrubs but also looked to see how clean the streets were.

Cllr Ruth Polling, Islington Council's Executive Member for Leisure and Equalities, said: The gold standard comes as fabulous recognition of the tremendous effort put in by everyone involved. I was thrilled that we improved on last years Silver Gilt award to take the top spot ahead of Kensington & Chelsea.

Our greenspace is so important in an inner city borough. Having well-tended parks, gardens and open spaces is really good for peoples health and wellbeing. Seeing lovely floral displays outside pubs, shops and businesses makes you smile as you pass by. Thats why Im so delighted that the efforts of local businesses have been recognised with third place in the Town and City Centre category going to Angel town centre.

I also want to congratulate everyone from King Henry's Walk Gardens who achieved first place in the Community Garden Award a brilliant achievement.

All in all Islington is looking clean, green, colourful and very well cared for. Thats a credit not just to the councils staff but to everyone who put out a flowerbox, pot plant or hanging basket to make our streets look great!