Judges see how town is bouncing back (From Malvern Gazette)

Judges see how town is bouncing back

JUDGES from Britain in Bloom had the chance last Friday to see how Upton has bounced back from the worst flooding it has suffered for decades.

Judges Jim Knight and Susan Smith inspect a floral display.

Sunny weather greeted the judges, who were shown around streets that a few days earlier had been submerged beneath feet of muddy water.

The red-brown imprint of silt deposited by the swollen Severn was still visible on roads and on the sides of buildings, but the judges' attention was more focused of the numerous floral displays that had been restored since the waters retreated.

The judges Jim Knight and Susan Smith, visited several parts of the town in a tour that finished at the old church, where they were greeted by the town's civic dignitaries and Upton in Bloom organisers.

Diane Bellamy, one of the organisers, said: "People have worked very hard to undo the damage that the floods did, although we've left certain things, so that the judges can see just how bad it was."

Town mayor Tim Perry said: "I just can't believe how much people have done, not just retoring the floral displays but also getting the town back together again. It just looks really great again."

The winners of the Britain in Bloom contest will be announced in September.