A WALES in Bloom judge has commended the efforts of volunteers in Prestatyn and Meliden for their committed efforts to ensure the area looks its best. 

Judge Jim Goodwin was given a tour of both Prestatyn and Meliden by chair of the Prestatyn in Bloom Committee, Dr James Davies, along with other committee members and volunteers.

Wales in Bloom is a regional event that falls under Britain in Bloom, organised each year by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), and is designed to encourage community spirit and pride.

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It used to be primarily a floral competition, but now is more community-orientated, and judges look at a variety of things, including litter, signage, graffiti and flyposting, and woodlands.

Mr Goodwin, who has been coming to Prestatyn to judge for more than 15 years, said on his arrival that he was pleased to return and was looking forward to seeing something “new and different".

Last year Prestatyn received gold in the contest, coming second in the “large town” category – and missing out on first place by just one point.

Following his tour of both Prestatyn and Meliden, which included visits to the Morfas, the railway station, the seafront, the Roman Baths and Tiny Tots, Mr Goodwin said: “Wales in Bloom has three distinct categories - horticulture, environment, and community.

“Some areas are strong in one or two areas but not all three, but Prestatyn practically strikes a balance.

“It is slightly weaker in the horticulture category but almost hardly worth mentioning because it’s so negligible.

“Litter is inexcusable in my opinion, but it is great there are volunteers who are playing an instrumental role in helping to address the issue.

“We had a cold spring and then a rotating series of warm spells and wet spells which has meant flowers have bloomed three to four weeks later this year.

“It has not been as impactful on flowers as on vegetables though, the competitions for which this year have quite frankly been hopeless!

“It is really heartening to witness the community spirit in the towns and villages I visit. It is certainly very much evident here in Prestatyn and Meliden!”

Dr Davies added: “It is always a pleasure to welcome Jim to Prestatyn and Meliden and to provide him with a tour of the area, showcasing all the fantastic work that is carried out by Prestatyn in Bloom committee members and community volunteers.

“Prestatyn has always achieved excellent results in the contest and residents and visitors benefit greatly from all the work that is done by the many volunteers, local businesses, and community groups to ensure the area is at its best.

“However, it is fair to say this year has been more challenging than usual for a number of reasons.

“Nevertheless, as chair of Prestatyn in Bloom, I am proud of what has been achieved and I thank everyone involved.

“We will now wait with bated breath for the results to be announced in September.”