Blooming Great!

8.26.09pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 17th Sep 2004

That was the judges' verdict on Milton Keynes after awarding the borough the Gold rating in the regional heat of this year's Britain in Bloom competition.

And it wasn't just flowers that came in for the judges' scrutiny when they visited in July - all aspects of the urban environment, our recycling systems, levels of graffiti and litter went under the microscope.

Milton Keynes scored an incredible 171 points - in the Thames and Chiltern regional heat of the contest, out of a possible 200, up from 147 last year.

Last year we scooped a 'Silver' award in the same category.

Cllr Douglas McCall, Cabinet Member on Environment, said: "This is fantastic news, and yet another feather in the cap for our fair city and its surrounding areas.

"Britain in Bloom is not just about nice landscaping and pretty flowers - although we have an abundance of those in Milton Keynes. Since the Liberal Democrats took over, we have made huge leaps forward. We are keeping our estates tidy, clearing up litter and graffiti, and recycling is an continuing success story. The judges recognised all of this."

In making their decision the judges look at:

• an increase in civic pride through local people taking on the planning and management of their local environment;

• long-term improvement in their local environment through planting, floral displays and high levels of cleanliness;

• a boost to the local economy through increased tourism;

• regeneration of disadvantaged areas;

• stimulation of voluntary work and co-operation between community groups;

• a means to address issues such as sustainability, recycling, minimising waste and energy conservation;

• floral displays;

• permanent landscaping;

• sustainability;

• local environment quality;

• public awareness.

Congratulations also to Olney, who entered in their own right and won a "Silver" award.