Last updated at 14:59, Friday, 19 October 2012

The Cumbria in Bloom competition could be under threat as it struggles to attract funding.

At present there is enough cash in the bank to keep it going for up to 18 months.

But with funding pots becoming ever more scarce, there are fears for the long term future of the countywide event.

Speaking ahead of the committee’s annual general meeting, which will be held in Penrith next month, treasurer Adrian Faulkner described the current financial situation as “hand to mouth”.

He is therefore appealing for businesses and organisations to put forward sponsorship to help keep it afloat.

It costs about £7,000 to run the long-standing Cumbria In Bloom competition, which sees towns and villages across the county come together to transform their communities.

Mr Faulkner said they have enough reserves to run the 2013 event, plus about £3,500.

But he fears that with the current economic climate making funding for such projects more difficult to come by, it will be even tougher to replace this money once it is spent.

Yet he added that if each of Cumbria’s district councils were able to contribute just £1,000 a year, it would help secure its long term future.

“It is hand to mouth if I’m honest, but we haven’t given up hope. I’ve been involved for six years and each year it’s a battle,” he explained.

“It isn’t a huge figure. If you look at the benefits it brings to communities, it would cost the authorities a lot more.

“The vast majority of councils have had cuts to their parks department and are only looking after the main public areas. Through Cumbria In Bloom villages and communities in each borough are doing a lot of the work for them.”

Mr Faulkner explained that Cumbria In Bloom, a registered charity, manages to keep its costs down thanks to its army of volunteers who give many hours of their time in kind.

“The competition is actually known as Cumbria in Bloom - Pride in Your Community and I think that last bit is particularly significant,” he said. “It’s about bringing communities together and bringing on youngsters through the schools gardening competition.”

The full financial picture will be reported to the AGM on Monday, November 19 at Newton Rigg College, Penrith.

The meeting starts at 11am and representatives from towns, villages and hamlets across the county are encouraged to attend.

• Cumbria in Bloom is appealing for new judges ahead of next year’s competition. Anyone with a basic horticultural knowledge can apply as full training will be given. Although the posts are voluntary, expenses will be paid. For more information and contact details visit www.cumbria-in-bloom.org.uk

First published at 12:45, Friday, 19 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk