A FOREST street cleaning team has been recognised for its work in the run-up to this year’s Newent in Bloom competition by organisers.

The team, responsible for keeping the town’s streets and many of its public spaces clean and tidy is employed by Biffa on behalf of the Forest of Dean District Council, were presented with an award for best public and community effort at last month’s Newent Onion Fayre.

Newent in Bloom spokesperson, Lynn Ashton, said: “Getting the town ready for judging is a real community effort and requires a lot of hard work from all those involved. 

“The committee was very pleased to be able to recognise the Biffa team, not only for how well they kept Newent spotless in the run-up to the judging, which took place in the summer, but to thank them for their continued dedication throughout the rest of the year too.”

James Walker, manager at Biffa’s Cinderford depot, added: “The award has given the team a real boost.  They have been delighted to be involved in such a worthwhile community project and are already looking forward to supporting the event again next year.”

The Heart of England in Bloom category is one of seventeen regional areas which make up the Royal Horticultural Society’s annual Britain in Bloom contest. The awards have been running for over fifty years. 

Newent in Bloom scooped a silver-gilt standard for its entry this year.