Judging has taken place in this year’s prestigious Grantham in Bloom competition.
South Kesteven District Council gave half whisky barrel pavement planters to interested town centre businesses for them to fill and maintain with the intention of adding an extra splash of colour.
A total of 24 businesses from bakeries to galleries, florists to sweet shops and banks and building societies to boutiques took up the offer of sprucing up their frontages.
Judging took place at Vine Street Coffee House, Notions Antique Centre, The Angel & Royal Hotel, Westgate Bakery, Union Street Gallery, HSBC, Glen-esk Flowers, Everest Inn, The Olive Tree, Shire’s Larder, Gambit 73, Cameron’s Crafts, Funky Soap, Correct Hearing, Alex Kent Interiors, The Reading Room, The Boutique, Holroyd’s Sweet Shop, Knightingale’s Café, Prime Comfort, Nottinghamshire Building Society and Melton Mowbray Building Society.
The judging was done by SKDC Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Paul Stokes and Karen Whitfield, Assistant Director for Leisure, Culture and Place.
“It was a very difficult contest to judge because the standard was so high,” Cllr Stokes said.
“The businesses who entered embraced the spirit of the competition, bringing an added sense of belonging and civic pride to Grantham Town Centre. It’s been a blooming good effort all round.
“Winners will be announced in due course.”
Sharon Checkley, of Notions Antiques, said: “It’s a really fun initiative, and as a business we would definitely do it again.
“The planters have really brightened up the town.”
Patrick Mattison, of Knightingale's Café, said: “Grantham already feels brighter and more welcoming.
“It’s brilliant that so many businesses have got involved.”
Sadly, planters from outside Besties Boutique and Taprobane Café and Cake Shop on Welby Street were stolen, robbing them of their chance of winning the competition.
Cllr Stokes said the initiative - funded through a £5,000 grant from the Future High Street Fund - was another example of how SKDC’s efforts to invigorate the town centre were paying off with concerts, outdoor cinema, a French market, superbike show and interactive family experiences all part of the summer line-up.
