Water blooming marvellous idea

A charity which has been honoured by the Queen has risen to the challenge of keeping Rawtenstall looking blooming marvellous during the heatwave.

Civic Pride (Rossendale) has bought a submersible pump to draw water from Limey Water at Rawtenstall to help keep the town’s floral displays in tip top condition.

Rawtenstall’s award-winning community gardens and hanging baskets are planted and maintained by the charity which is made up entirely of volunteers.

They normally use mains water – which is allowed even if a hosepipe ban is introduced – to fill the tanks on their van, which is then used to water the plants.

But Civic Pride (Rossendale) chairman Chris Blomerley said:

With such a long spell of dry weather and virtually no rain, the need to conserve mains water and the water in our reservoirs grows more pressing by the day.

Having spent thousands of pounds and immeasurable volunteer hours creating beautiful baskets and gardens across the town, we’ve had regular watering teams keeping our plants alive.

They have worked extremely hard to save our floral displays for the community but we recognise the need to act responsibly. This is our answer.

Civic Pride Rossendale has received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary services, described as the MBE for charities, voluntary and community groups.

Under Environment Agency regulations, it can take up to 20 cubic metres of water per day from Limey Water, which feeds the River Irwell, but uses much less.

Mr Blomerley, added:

We’re still collecting litter, carrying out weeding, pruning and countless other tasks to keep Rawtenstall looking wonderful during the heatwave but we’re holding back on any more planting for obvious reasons!

Councillor Barbara Ashworth, Rossendale Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health, Housing, Communities and Customer Service, said:

We appreciate the marvellous work that Civic Pride (Rossendale) does to keep Rawtenstall looking its best for residents, businesses and visitors – as do all the other pride and community groups across Rossendale who look after their areas so well.

The volunteers have been working tirelessly during the heatwave and I’m glad that this innovative solution means that their stunning displays will continue to bloom.

People who would like to volunteer with Civic Pride (Rossendale) can contact info@civic-pride.org.uk or 07955 110199.