Brentwood In Bloom was linked to the Anglia in Bloom competition which encourages all communities across the region to participate in the unique horticultural and environmental initiatives and demonstrate that their efforts are making a difference to their local surroundings. There is an opportunity that the new Business Improvement District (BID) may well want to support part of this initiative as part of their priorities. There may also be opportunity from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to provide a small grant programme to support entries.

Following a full discussion, Cllr Aspinell MOVED and Cllr Russell SECONDED the recommendations in the report. A vote was taken and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY that:

Members were requested to:

R1: For Officers at the Council to work with the new BID Manager and Chamber of Commerce to look at options to support a new Brentwood in Bloom initiative.

R2: For Officers to report back to a future Committee on the options and any Brentwood Borough Council resource implications.

Reason for Recommendation

The Brentwood in Bloom initiative ceased around 2016 due to the lack of entries and volunteers to be part of the working group to help promote, judge and allocate prizes to the winning entries. Resource requirements on possible options will be identified and reported back to a future committee.