AS a member of the Royston in Bloom committee, I would like to put the record straight subsequent to the recent report in The Crow on the withdrawal at the last moment of Royston s entry into the Anglia in Bloom competition. May I remind readers that last

AS a member of the Royston in Bloom committee, I would like to put the record straight subsequent to the recent report in The Crow on the withdrawal at the last moment of Royston's entry into the Anglia in Bloom competition.

May I remind readers that last year Royston gained a Silver Gilt award, very few points behind the winners of Anglia in Bloom.

At that time we received much praise from the judges on our efforts and presentation. This year, the team was working to equal or better that result despite some difficult situations.

Our own Royston in Bloom event produces very high standards in our private gardens, schools, communities and businesses in the town, as your recently published pictures testify. A lot of Roystonians really do care for their environment.

Royston started the year with the news that finance for supplying and maintaining the hanging baskets was to be withdrawn by North Herts District Council.

It was only after intervention by members of our committee and our enthusiasm to participate in the competition that this decision was turned around.

Anyone walking through the town today cannot fail to be impressed by the wonderful hanging basket displays. Together with the roundabout plantings and planting and maintenance of the public areas the town has never looked better.

How do those concerned feel now that the entry has been withdrawn? Will they be so understanding in the future? Royston be prepared to lose much of these in the future.

Agreed, there are problem areas in our town. After all, most competing towns have some difficult issues.

We have the eyesore of the old cinema site at our heart and the unkempt roundabout on the A10 at the Twigden's estate (Twigden's are still responsible for its maintenance until Highways take it on later this year).

But there have been several ongoing projects undertaken by volunteers improving other aspects of the townscape and the opening of the Royston Leisure Centre with its impressive landscaping.

Part of the schedule for entry into Anglia in Bloom includes the production of a portfolio of the town and projects undertaken.

For our small committee this poses a problem - we so wish we were more computer and photographically proficient. In the future, it would be wonderful to have some members with these skills.

In my opinion, it would have been better to have continued with our entry for all those who put effort into maintaining such high standards in Royston.

Surely it is the taking part that matters, not just the winning.

ANGELA LOUCH

Member of the Royston in Bloom committee