From Harrogate Advertiser, 22 May 2009:
Rotarians' helping hand for Bloom bid
Members of the Rotary Club of Harrogate are spending two weeks improving the appearance of a derelict wall next to the town's bus station.
Rotarians started work on Tuesday in preparation for the RHS Britain in Bloom competition.
Club president Tony Hill said: "Having learnt from the Harrogate in Bloom committee that the town was representing Yorkshire in Britain in Bloom, we were concerned that the shabbiness of this wall might cause the town to be overlooked."
The competition takes in the beauty of Harrogate's gardens and floral displays but the judges must also consider the town's overall appearance.
Mr Hill often noticed the abandoned wall from the bus and railway stations and how unsightly it must be to visitors and residents. He recalled the general discontent when the wall was left in its run-down state and decided the Britain in Bloom competition was an ideal opportunity to undertake some much needed improvement.
"The Rotary Club supported me from the start," he said. "Members approached the owners of the site, Caddick Developments, and Harrogate Borough Council. Both readily agreed to our proposal to improve its appearance and helped us plan the project. Caddick Developments also generously provided some of the necessary funding. From there we decided to do the work with valuable help and support from CK Batchelor Ltd, Marlyn Metalcraft and Dulux Decorator Centre."
On Tuesday the remains of the plasterwork were hacked off to tidy up the face of the wall and prepare it for painting. Mr Hill is hopeful that a mural might be created on the wll, possibly reflecting the arches of nearby buildings.
He said: "Unfortunately time and financial constraints might not enable this but I am confident we will improve its appearance considerably."
