Britain in Bloom - Time to Decide

11.35.22pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th Jul 2007

Gardening experts are descending on Milton Keynes this week to decide whether the city is to be a winner of the 2007 Britain in Bloom competition.

The city, a previous winner of both silver-gilt and gold awards in the regional contest, is preparing to welcome the judges from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) on Thursday (July 26).

Landscape workers from Milton Keynes Council and The Parks Trust are working in partnership to ensure the city is looking its best during the judges' tour.

More than 5,000 flowers and plants have been laid across 18 different bedding plant sites across the city.

The judges are also looking for a city that is taking steps to keep the streets free from litter and graffiti and in previous years the RHS has noted the high standard of cleanliness in Milton Keynes.

Norman Parker, council landscape services development officer, explained: "Amongst other criteria, the judges are looking for evidence of sustainable planting by local authorities. Obviously the recent downpours has made this job more difficult for all gardeners but I am sure that our staff together with those from the Parks Trust will put on a colourful show for the judges."

Liberal Democrat councillor Douglas McCall, cabinet member for environment, praised the success of the partnership between the Council and The Parks Trust. He said: "Milton Keynes' green environment is very important to residents, and it is one of the reasons why people move here."

David Foster, Chief Executive of The Parks Trust, said: "The city's parks and green spaces are one of the main reasons why people love Milton Keynes. It would be great to get national recognition of their beauty, quality, and importance."

Last year the RHS praised Milton Keynes for North Willen Lake (one of the best bird watching sites in the region), Linford Wood wildlife meadow, and the Hanson Environmental Study Centre, a 100-acre site with a variety of habitat which supports a great diversity of plant and animal life.