The latest Ulster in Bloom success for the village of Charlestown on the shores of Lough Neagh can help inspire other communities to improve their local environment, the Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Kyle Savage has said.
Charlestown received a prestigious Lifetime Commitment award at the annual ceremony held last month.
Four-time winners of the Ulster in Bloom competition, Charlestown have been placed in the top three of the small village category for a remarkable 26 consecutive years.
To recognise this landmark award, Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Cllr Kyle Savage visited the village to meet the volunteers and council staff who have helped maintain the award-winning standards.
He said: “We are very fortunate to have a wonderful community of people here in Charlestown who take such pride in their village.
“I want to congratulate them all for their hard work and commitment down through the years and I am sure that when people visit Charlestown they are hugely impressed and many will be inspired to look after their own communities.”
The Deputy Lord Mayor added: “As a council we are proud of the role which our staff play in helping residents look after their towns and villages and it’s great to see what can be achieved when we work together so effectively.”
John Thompson, Head of Safety and Corporate Responsibility at Translink who sponsor the awards said: “Ulster in Bloom celebrates not only the hard work and commitment of our local Councils, but also the many volunteers and community groups who are out all year round making their community spaces look tidy, welcoming and engaging for residents and visitors alike.
“Over the years we’ve seen amazing examples of how something as simple as seeds, water and elbow grease can transform spaces, with everything from floral displays, growing allotments for young and old, and bee hives to boost biodiversity.”
