THE latest piece of the jigsaw in a project which is encouraging people to get involved in brightening up a town and surrounding village will be launched this week.
A new website has been designed for Bishop Auckland and Coundon in Bloom to provide information about what is going on in the area and provide a platform for residents, business owners and volunteers to share their ideas and stories.
The launch comes as Britain in Bloom judges were taken on a two- hour tour of some of sites which are the focus of the project, including Daybreak, in Coundon; Auckland Castle, Kynren, Cultivate4Life, on Woodhouse Close; and Durham Chare’s stone horse trough.
The visit allowed the bloom group to show the judges what had already been carried out as part of the project and what the aims are for the rest of the year and in the future.
Joy Allen, chairwoman of Bishop Auckland and Coundon in Bloom, said : “We have some extremely talented individuals living and working in the area that have freely shared their skills and expertise for the benefit of the project.
“It’s this willingness to come together and make a difference that has enabled us to achieve so much in a short space of time.”
Charlie Kay, deputy chairman of the group, added: “The visit has gone really well. The judges seemed really impressed with what we are doing.
“It is not just about planting flowers, it is about bringing the community together and engaging with different people.”
Creative agency Curious 12, which is based in Bishop Auckland, has designed the logo for the group and the website bloomtalk.org.uk
Company technical director Gary Robson said: “Different groups are doing things and the people behind them might not cross over so we want to provide a central place.
“Anyone can see what is going on and hopefully share ideas. We want to get schools involved and also get people to upload their own stories and pictures.
“It is for the community to ask questions and get help. It is a place for discussion.”
A short film has also been created by Chris and Rosie Anderson capturing the work of the volunteers and the changes to the town so far.
To get involved, call group secretary Nigel Bryson on 07789-907441.
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