Bexhill in Bloom 2007

The trunk road eyesore - since given a rudimentary weeding by the Highways Agency - cost Bexhill success in the prestigious South East in Bloom contest.

In an outspoken attack at the annual Bexhill in Bloom prizegiving at St Peter's Community Centre last Friday, Gregory Barker said: "One of the things that makes Bexhill in Bloom special is the sheer enthusiasm and spirit of volunteers and the community support of people in Bexhill.

"It is a huge effort and a lot of people put long hours into it."

He said it was invidious to name individuals but he had to make mention of "Bexhill's answer to Charlie Dimmock" - organising committee chairman Sandra Melvin.

"Without Sandra Bexhill in Bloom would not be the great success it is year in, year out."

Bexhill's rating in the regional South East in Bloom this year had therefore been a "huge disappointment."

"This was not the result of any lack of effort or talent or skill by the people as a whole who put on some wonderful displays.

"We were let down by the state of the roundabout at Glyne Gap.

"Think of things that local councils do and think of civic pride.

"I don't think people would begrudge paying a little to make their town a pleasant place.

"I hope that they will pull their finger out and work with whatever partners. I will do what I can to seek funding partners."

Committee member John Willis of Rother contractor John O'Conner said Bexhill had been up against top towns and villages in the contest. It had been a wonderful experience to see the enthusiasm that other towns put into their displays."

Thanking the MP for his comments on Glyne Gap, he said he passed the roundabout daily.

"I think 'What can we do..?'"

Between them, the Highways Agency and Rother were passing the buck.

"We have got to make them realise that we have got to do something with it."

The approach to Bromley had 17 roundabouts, each one a marvellous display. Swanley raised 20,000 to beautify their town centre.

"We can do it in this town, I know we can. It is just a question of getting a bit of communication going; raising some money."

South East in Bloom awards went to: 41a Barnhorn Road; the Sackville Hotel; the Oasis Sandwich Bar; 20,14 and 15 Albany Road; Bexhill Caring Community; the 73a London Road Centre; Bexhill High School; Pebsham Community Primary School; the Bell Hotel; Bexhill Neighbourhood Gardening Scheme; Preston Road and 18 and 20 Courthope Drive.

Bexhill in Bloom results:

The Rotherview Nursery Cup, Youth Effort, Pebsham Primary School; 2 Bexhill High School; runners-up King Offa, St Mary Magdalene and Glyne Gap schools.

Bexhill Chamber of Commerce Cup, hotel and guest house: 1, The Sackville; 2, Cooden Beach Hotel.

Dougie Boustred Cup for licensed premises: 1, The Bell; 2, the Denbigh.

Wyevale Country Garden Cup, private formal gardens: 1, 18 Courthope Drive; 2, 23 Ingrams Avenue.

Wyevale Country Gardens Cup, private informal gardens: 1, 14 Filsham Drive; 2, 11-12 The Twitten, Old Town; 3, 15 Albany Road; highly commended, 42 Ingrams Avenue; commended, 24 Filsham Drive.

Bert West Memorial Bowl, container gardens: 1, 28 Albany Road; 2, 2 Festival Gardens; 3, 14 Albany Road; highly commended, 6 Festival Gardens; commended, 5 Festival Gardens.

Collington Lodge Cup, garden flats: 1, Basement, 33 Cantelupe Road; 2, 73 Preston Road; 3, 82 Preston Road.

Rother Challenge Cup/Observer winner's plaque, retail/commercial: 1, Oasis Sandwich Bar; 2, Bexhill Caring Community.

Observer Cup, overall area winner: Sackville Court, Hastings Road; 2 (special award), Bexhill Old Town; highly commended, Preston Road; commended, Little Common.

Bexhill Horticultural Society Challenge Cup, best environmental project, Rimswell Cottage, Church Street.

Gatwick Cup/Observer plaque, special awards: 1, 73a Centre; highly commended, Sackville Road Methodist Church.

Garden Design Award, good design: 41 Barnhorn Road; Observer plaque, 20 Courthope Drive.

The platform party included Chamber of Commerce president Ainsley Gill and Deputy Town Mayor Cllr Patrick Douart, who thanked organisers and sponsors.