Merton’s local residents, businesses, community groups and gardening enthusiasts are celebrating success after the borough was awarded Silver in the London in Bloom 2014 competition.

In addition to this accolade, Mitcham Common scooped a Silver Gilt prize for Common of the Year and South Park Gardens, which is already the recipient of a prestigious Green Flag Award, was also awarded a Silver in the Park of the Year category. The Paddock Allotments scooped second prize for best allotment site in London.

For the first time ever, two of Merton’s cemeteries were also recognised at London in Bloom with London Road Cemetery being awarded Bronze and Merton & Sutton Joint Cemetery receiving a Silver Gilt in the Large Cemetery category.

London in Bloom takes place every year and offers boroughs, community groups, residents and businesses the opportunity to work together to improve the capital’s environment, making it a greener, cleaner and more attractive place to live, work and visit.

Mayor of Merton Councillor Agatha Akyigyina received several of the awards on behalf of the Merton teams. She said: “Congratulations to everyone who has helped towards our London in Bloom wins. I was delighted to see Merton being awarded with such prestigious prizes, marking our dedication to keeping our borough beautiful and green.”

Merton Council’s cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Councillor Andrew Judge, said: “We have one of the greenest boroughs and some of the most beautiful parks in London that are enjoyed by many of our residents and visitors. I’m delighted that that Merton has, once again, been highly awarded at London in Bloom. A lot of hard work has gone into improving our green spaces and public places. I would like to thank residents and local organisations for the effort they’ve made in making Merton one of the best green boroughs in the capital.”

Visit www.londoninbloom.co.uk to find out more about the London in Bloom competition.

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