Thank you for making our streets beautiful

�Green-fingered residents who brightened up Islington with dazzling floral and garden displays have been rewarded for their efforts at a civic bash.

Dozens were given certificates and vouchers worth �100 during the Islington in Bloom awards ceremony at Islington Town Hall in Upper Street on Monday.

Schoolchildren, amateur gardeners, community groups and pubs created colourful arrangements as part of the competition, sponsored by various businesses.

Pleasure

Cllr Phil Kelly, Mayor of Islington, who presented the awards, said: “It is absolutely vital we do as much as possible to protect our green spaces and it is a great pleasure to give awards to people who have worked so hard. This is a great example of people in Islington working together to make the place better.”

Cllr Catherine West, leader of Islington Council, said: “It is not just the gardens – the artwork submitted by children has been excellent.

“The effect of this competition is that the more beautiful an area becomes, the less desire there is for people to ruin the place.”

Resident Gary Robertson, who won a gold award for his communal garden in Rotherfield Street, Islington, said: “I have always wanted to get involved.

“I personally feel we want more people gardening in Islington because it is great for the mind.”

Tony Campbell was part of a group of householders who designed 36 tree pits in Ockendon Road, Islington, which won the best street.

He said: “This has definitely brought everyone together. People were always stopping and talking. One taxi driver even revealed how he deliberately passes through the street to see the displays.”

Sandy Marks, a former Islington mayor, won a certificate of excellence and the best allotment for her work in Pollard Close, Holloway.

She said: “I have never had a garden or allotment before so it is fantastic to win this prize. I am delighted.”