Whitworth has been entered in the 2011 Lancashire Best Kept Village Competition by the Town Council.
The competition, which is open to all towns, villages and hamlets within the Lancashire area, is judged over the summer, with the winners announced in early autumn. The judges do not take into account the natural beauty of the area, but will be assessing the degree of effort that has been applied to maintaining the village in a satisfactory state, and will take into account any evidence that a special feature has been developed in the village.
Whitworth as a whole town will be judged, and additionally a number of local landmarks and locations have also been put forward for certificates of merit. Whitworth was initially entered into the competition in 2007, and won the Best First Time Entry award. Locations and venues in Whitworth, including Riddiough Court and The Riverside, have also won awards over the last three years.
Whitworth Town Council’s Clerk, Karen Douglas, says: “We’ve been delighted with the results of our entries over the past three years and are hopeful that the town as a whole, and individual locations, will be favourably looked upon this year. Whitworth has its problem hot-spots, as do all towns, but we’re very proud of the effort that is put in by many local residents, businesses and organisations to keep Whitworth looking good. Our Town Caretaker ensures that as much litter is removed from pavements and grassed areas as possible; our Parish Lengthsman keeps on top of maintenance and repairs, and our wonderful Horticultural Society volunteers do an amazing job looking after our planters and some of our flowerbeds. We’re also hopeful that the Borough Council’s flower meadows, which have proved popular, will be in bloom during some of the judging.”
