PLANS are under way to revive Radcliffe in Bloom as an entry for the national Britain in Bloom competition.

In June, Bury Council announced it had withdrawn from the national gardening competition because of funding cuts.

However, individuals, business owners and organisations are uniting together to form an action plan to reinstate Radcliffe in Bloom as a community effort.

A meeting was held on Wednesday morning at Radcliffe Borough Football Club’s ground, Stainton Park, to discuss ideas and organise a sub-committee to take the idea forward.

The meeting was organised by community group Growing Together Radcliffe, which is focused on bringing people together to work collaboratively on local projects.

Tina Harrison, one of the organisers, who also runs community growing group Corrie Gardeners, said: "As the council cuts have hit hard, there is no money in the pot to fund the 'in Bloom' entries.

"We have decided to move forward by inviting schools, groups, allotments, etc, to initially get involved in the Royal Horticultural Society's 'It's Your Neighbourhood' competition, where participants are judged independently.

"However, those who attended the meeting expressed a keen interest in reinstating the 'in Bloom'.

"We are looking to get 'Radcliffe in Bloom' back up and running in 2021."

In the mean time, a sub-committee is being formed to help develop an ageing legacy garden, following an award of £2,000 from Ambition for Ageing. A suitable site for the garden is being decided upon.

Ambition for Ageing aims to give small investments into ideas that benefit older generations within the community.

Last year, Radcliffe clinched a Silver-Gilt award in the Best Large Town category for the fourth year running.

Meanwhile, Bury clinched a Gold award in the Britain in Bloom North West Small City category for the 15th year in a row.

To get involved, email Growing Together Radcliffe at growing.together.rad@gmail.com.