Hailsham has picked up a Silver Award in the Large Town / Small City category of the South & Southeast In Bloom 2008 competition in its first year of competing. The success was revealed at an special Awards Presentation held in Crawley on Wednesday 3rd September, attended by the Chairman of the Hailsham In Bloom Committee Jeff Bentley-Astor, Town Clerk Liz Jones and a number of other committee members.

Factors that particularly impressed the judges included the quality of town centre floral displays and flowerbeds, as well as Hailsham's anti-graffiti and town centre cleansing initiatives, and the inspiring artwork produced by children at Grovelands CP School, which greatly improves the appearance of the town’s recycling centres.

There's no reason why Hailsham can’t achieve a higher award in 2009. For that to happen, we need more people on board, including community groups, residents and retailers. We urge local businesses to sponsor Hailsham In Bloom to ensure that this target can be met.

To assist with free provision of such items as bulbs, trees, hedge plants, flowers, soil and planters, or for all general enquiries, please contact the Hailsham In Bloom Committee on 01323 841702 (during office hours).