ON Sunday, July 3, and Monday, July 4, judges from Britain in Bloom (BIB) and It’s Your Neighbourhood (IYN) visited Crediton to assess the town against the criteria of Floral Displays, Environmental Responsibility, and Community Participation for the BIB Pennant Award.

The morning before the judges arrived, Cllr Michael Szabo led a team of seven volunteers and one dog to litter pick the route the judges would be assessing.

The volunteers included Yvonne Youles, Pete Beal, Rebecca Brett, James Edmonds, Jeanette Brown, her two sons, George and Harry, and their dog Oreo.

Almost six full black plastic bags of litter were collected in less than two hours!

On Sunday, Michael Foy, senior BIB judge with 25 years’ experience judging in Devon and Cornwall, and judge Graham Price were shown the town by Cllrs Heather Sansom and Michael Szabo.

Mr Szabo explained that during the three hour tour, Michael Foy said Crediton could be a very strong contender for the main competition next year and was very impressed with its "street scene".

He said he also complimented on the cleanliness of the town and many impressive mature trees, especially the 12 unique Siberian Pea Trees in the Town Square.

He added that both judges specifically complimented the Newcombes Meadow play area saying "it is without doubt the best play area they have ever seen”.

Mr Szabo added: “The judges also commented on the ‘outstanding green grounds’ at Landscore Primary School and asked us to pass on congratulations to everyone involved at the School, especially Andrew Vaccari.”

“On Monday, July 4, judge Tim Eley said he could see continued improvement in the 14 IYN’s entries.

“He visited the Railway Station, the town entrances cared for by the Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface, Hillbrow Residential Care Home, residents of Lennard House, Age Concern, Peoples Park, Peoples Park Wildlife Area, residents of Stanbury Court, the Congregational Church, residents of The Lodge, Moffats Land allotments, the Bowling Club, Newcombes Meadow Community Group, and Greg Martin of Save the House Martins of Westernlea.”

Mr Szabo said all groups who entered will receive a certificate of recognition and Crediton will be awarded a level of recognition in the Pennant Award.

The Awards Presentation will be held at the Somerset County Cricket Ground, Taunton, on Thursday, October 6.

Alan Quick