IT has been another successful year for Barnsley in the Yorkshire in Bloom awards.
Barnsley scooped seven awards, including gold in the City Centre Award, which was piloted this year.
For this award, judges not only looked at what floral and green space opportunities there were in the towns and cities they visited, but how both the residents and business communities were getting involved to enhance and promote their town centre for its residents and visitors.
The results in full were:
Barnsley Council - City Centre Award - Gold
Barnsley Hospice - Charitable Organisations - Gold
Oxspring Primary School - Youth Enterprise Award - Silver
Darton Primary School - Youth Enterprise Award - Silver
Wilthorpe Junior School - Youth Enterprise Award - Bronze
Elsecar Park and Local Nature Reserve - Country Houses, Parks and Gardens - Gold
Cannon Hall Gardens - Country Houses, Parks and Gardens - Silver
In evaluating Barnsley’s entry, judges were full of praise for the new museum, saying: "The heritage of Barnsley is seen to be important to the borough, and supported by the Lottery Fund, Experience Barnsley is a major project, using the Town Hall to create a hands-on museum and archive centre.”
They were impressed by the town’s floral displays and well-maintained grass areas, which they said contribute to a positive ambiance, to the benefit of all concerned.
Areas of note were Churchfields Peace Gardens, the area around Becketts Island, the gardens at Barnsley Town Hall and Pinfold Steps. They also commented on the good level of sponsorship and business support.
A feeling of safety and wellbeing was also picked up on: "An important environmental aspect is the way the market area, Alhambra Centre and adjacent underpasses are managed," its judges said.
"The area projects a feeling of safety and openness, and is well used by a wide variety of people being a major pedestrian traffic route - it is clean and free from any feeling of aggression."
Cllr Roy Miller said: "It’s great to see that even in times of economic hardship for both Barnsley residents and the council itself that officers and community groups have been working hard to make Barnsley beautiful.
"This has not only been recognised by Yorkshire in Bloom but in turn has rewarded us all with some truly stunning areas of the borough. My thanks go out to everyone involved."
