THE efforts made by community groups, businesses and residents in Prestatyn - to ensure the town looks its best - were praised by a Wales in Bloom judge.

Jim Goodwin, who has been visiting Prestatyn as judge over the last 10 years, returned to the town to cast his eye over this year's floral delights and environmental initiatives.

Key sites or points of discussion included Prestatyn Railway Station, Nova Centre, Barkby Beach, Plastic Free Prestatyn, Vicarage Gardens, High Street, The Apple Cart, Pendre Gardens, Hillside Shelter and Statues, Roman Bath House, a residential garden in Woodland Park, Tiny Tots Nursery, Meliden Golf Club, Prestatyn to Dyserth Walkway, Y Shed, Morfa Gateway, Coed y Morfa Allotments and Coed y Morfa Community Woodland, the Hedgehog Hospital, Ffrith Beach Common Land, Victoria Road and Sea Road Gardens, Station Car Park, and Coronation Gardens.

Mr Goodwin said: “I’ve been visiting Prestatyn for around 10 years now, on and off, and have seen some great changes during that time.

“It is great to be back in 2021 to see all that has been achieved since my last visit. The floral decorations in Prestatyn are very good, also there is very little litter around, I was also impressed to see so many new businesses in the town and was particularly impressed by the Apple Cart and all they are doing to be as plastic free as possible. There is a lot being done across the board and those involved deserved much praise.

“Wales in Bloom used to be a floral competition, but now it is very much community orientated and we are looking at so much more than just the floral side. Litter, signage, tree scope, woodlands and a whole lot more now comes into it.

“We also have the It’s Your Neighbourhood (IYN) scheme for volunteer-led community gardening groups which are focused on cleaning up and greening up their local area.”

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

Prestatyn achieved Gold in 2019 and came second overall. The contest took a break last year due to the pandemic.

Dr James Davies, chair of the Prestatyn in Bloom Committee and Vale of Clwyd MP, said: "It was great to welcome Jim back to Prestatyn and to showcase everything that has been achieved in the town since his last visit. I was extremely proud of the efforts by all the various community groups who really have excelled this year despite the challenges of the pandemic, and also all the businesses who went to great lengths to ensure that their premises and surrounding areas were looking their best.

"I thank them all and also the council workers, who once again have gone above and beyond to ensure that the town is looking spectacular."

Cllr Sharon Frobisher, mayor of Prestatyn and Meliden, visited the Hillside Gardens in Prestatyn and met up with the judge of Wales in Bloom, Jim Goodwin, and Prestatyn in Bloom organisers Dr Davies and cllr Anton Sampson.

Also in attendance were Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Rangers for the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) Steve Williams and Matt Willars who work for Denbighshire County Council.

Cllr Frobisher said "The whole town was turned out wonderfully for the judging, from flowerbeds and hanging baskets to various community groups who had done displays of their own to compliment partnership working.

"I would like to thank everyone for working so hard in these difficult time to make the town so colourful and tidy."

Winners of Wales in Bloom 2021 will be revealed later in the year.

[Background picture featuring judge Jim Goodwin (in white with mask) , Cllr Sharon Frobisher, mayor Prestatyn and Meliden, Steve Williams Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Ranger, James Davies MP and cllr Anton Sampson. Picture: submitted by Gerry Frobisher. Inset pictures submitted by Dr James Davies: Mr Goodwin with Mr Davies and in the Apple Cart.]