Town clerk Helen Ball paid a visit to the company’s Emstrey headquarters to present the certificates to managing director Mark Bebb and groundsmen Terry O’Shea and Clive Akers.
Salop Leisure and its associated specialist plant centre Love Plants welcomed the judges of both the Britain in Bloom and Heart of England in Bloom competitions at the start of their tour of the town this summer.
Shrewsbury went on to win coveted Britain in Bloom national award for the best large town or small city and The Dingle in the town won the best park accolade.
In their adjudication, the judges acknowledged the contribution made by Salop Leisure, saying: “Business support was exceptional as demonstrated at the start of the tour at Salop
Leisure and followed throughout the town.”
They described Shrewsbury as “one of those hidden gems in the English crown.”
Mrs Ball said Salop Leisure was a key contributor to the Britain in Bloom campaign in Shrewsbury. “Not only does the company sponsor one of the town’s traffic islands but it also supports our bloom entry by welcoming the judges,” she added.
“The judges noted in their comments the standard and quality of the grounds at Salop Leisure and how the company contributes to the overall feeling of good horticulture in the town. Winning these awards puts Shrewsbury on the map because the town is judged against the top places in the country.
“Winning the best park award for The Dingle was an absolute delight. We tend to take The Dingle for granted but we are regularly contacted by people saying how wonderful it is. It definitely has the wow factor.”
Salop Leisure’s chairman Tony Bywater said the company was delighted to play its part in maintaining Shrewsbury’s reputation as ‘the town of flowers’ and thanked the town council for the certificates.
“As a company, we are delighted to be located in such a beautiful town and proud to have been involved in this year’s Britain in Bloom campaign, which was a great example of businesses and the whole community working together with the town council to win this prestigious competition,” he added. “These awards will certainly help to promote tourism in Shrewsbury over the forthcoming year.”
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