TIDY TOWNS AWARDS

Bantry was among the winners of the Super Valu Tidy Towns awards on September 5th at the Helix Theatre, D.C.U. for the first time ever. This was a fantastic achievement considering there were a record number of entries in this years competition with Co. Cork having the largest number of entries. Bantry secured 297 points and a Silver medal, an increase of 5 points on last year - something very difficult to achieve at this level. Killarney were winners with 310 points. Bantry gained 1 point in each of the following categories; Wildlife and Natural Amenities; Litter Control; Waste Minimisation; Overall Development Approach; 2 points in the Landscaping category; and unfortunately lost 1 point in The Built Enviroment category.

Bantry Tidy Towns was also present in the County Hall Cork on September 8th for the presentation of prizes by the Mayor of Co. Cork, Cll. Tim Lombard in the County Anti Litter Challenge, securing 3rd place in its category. Over the 6 week challenge period Bantry was awarded 88 points for the first and second judging and 86 points for the third. This again was a great achievement considering the number of entries and categories competing.

These marks and placings could not be achieved were it not for the support received from the public throughout the year. This support was in the form of improving premises by painting, displaying window boxes and hanging baskets, giving time each week with litter control, giving expertise in decorating and improving blackspots, sponsoring products in order to make improvements, maintaining local areas and flowerbeds. Support from the local schools was much appreciated. Each of the above are hugely important and much appreciated as committee members cannot on their own achieve the desired result. Bantry Tidy Towns Committee would like to thank most sincerely everybody who helped and in particular our junior helpers. We look forward to your support next year.