Glyne Gap roundabout slammed

Bexhill in Bloom chairman Sandra Melvin was delighted on Wednesday to find out the town had secured a hat-trick of certificates at the South and South East in Bloom awards for its efforts this summer.

But she felt Bexhill could have fared even better had the Glyne Gap roundabout been kept in better condition.

"I just know it cost us points," said Sandra.

The judges themselves made mention of the poor state of roundabouts in their report.

The roundabout is the responsibility of the Highways Agency. It has recently been cleared of rubbish and weeded, but too late for the visit of South East in Bloom judges earlier this summer. The eyesore is still bereft of any colourful displays.

Bexhill in Bloom were the recipients of a bronze award. Barrack Hall Park managed to gain a silver in the parks category and Ingrams Farm in Sidley was reserved for a special mention and came second in the community award.

A delegation (above) including Town Mayor Cllr Paul Lendon, John Willis and Colin Campbell travelled to the awards ceremony in Crawley.

The event was once again sponsored by Southern Water and former international swimmer Duncan Goodhew handed out the certificates.

Sandra added: "We are happy and really delighted with Ingrams Farm coming second because we have got a real community within the town. I just feel we lost out because of the roundabout."