This report sets out proposals for the future provision of the Council’s floral displays and In-Bloom activities, with a focus on the development of sustainable planting and activities which have the potential to make a significant contribution to the Council’s Climate Change objectives.
Fareham is rightly proud of the high standard of presentation accomplished in its public spaces and the contribution made by community volunteers in maintaining this standard across the Borough. These displays help to reflect the Council’s vision of the Borough as a prosperous and attractive place to live and work.
Due to the implications and imposed restrictions resulting from the coronavirus pandemic in the spring of 2021, the Executive approved alternative arrangements for floral displays and In-Bloom, at the Executive meeting in March 2021.
These new arrangements maintained the high horticultural standards that have become familiar to Fareham residents, but offered greater biodiversity and a more sustainable and less resource intensive maintenance regime, in line with the Council’s approach to climate change. The sustainability theme followed through to the annual In-Bloom competition which was run as a virtual event.
The alternative arrangements were well received by residents and were supported by the members of the Streetscene Panel who endorsed the new sustainable approach on the proviso that there was continued community involvement.
This report is seeking Executive approval to continue with this approach and make sustainability and community participation the key focus for In-Bloom and floral displays in the Borough going forward. This would be a first step in delivering the Council’s ambition to mitigate impact of climate change and increase biodiversity in the Borough.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 10/09/2021
Decision due: 11 Oct 2021 by Executive
Lead member: Executive Member for Streetscene
Lead director: Head of Streetscene
Contact: Mick Gore Email: mgore@fareham.gov.uk.
Consultees
None
Background Papers: None