Yesterday, a Northumbria in Bloom judge, visited the village to assess the Trust’s entry in the RHS “It’s Your Neighbourhood” Awards Scheme.
With members of ‘The Bloomers’ committee he toured the village, within the boundary chosen for the Award. The assessment is based on community participation, environmental responsibility and gardening achievement.
He also helped assess the Trust’s own Front Garden Awards.
Following a review of all community buildings, a report is to be presented to County Councillors on Tuesday recommending that no further investment should be made at the Village Hall, unless extra resources become available. The Hall is in 9th priority on a list of 43 buildings which fall into the same category. Following public consultation a final decision will be made in February.
The Hall could be transferred to its management committee, which would then be responsible for seeking funding and paying for repairs and maintenance, but the report says that where a transfer and funding bid cannot be done, the buildings would face closure.
The Northern Echo has a full report.
We have been notified that the Britain in Bloom judge will be visiting the village on the afternoon of Tuesday, 2nd August, to see what improvements have been made since the Trust entered the RHS “It’s Your Neighbourhood” award scheme last year.
The Trust has raised funds for the planting of 50 tubs and local businesses and residents have made a fine effort to make the village bloom. As well as gardening achievement, though, the assessment will include community participation and environmental responsibility.
Judging will also be undertaken for the Trust’s own Front Garden Awards.
The deadline for entries into the Trust’s “Nature and Green Spaces in Shotley Bridge” photo competition is being extended until the end of September.
The new initiative was launched on the 1st May to encourage people to create images which may be used to promote the village and support other activities such as Northumbria in Bloom.
The Shotley Grove footbridge across the River Derwent has been hoisted into place and bolted onto its concrete foundations.
Hopefully it will not be many more weeks before the bridge will be open to pedestrians.
[Click on photos to enlarge]
There is a full report in the Northern Echo.
Shotley Bridge Village Trust 