Gateway boat appeal is launched

Organisers of this year's Penwortham in Bloom want to make a big statement to visitors.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd May 2017, 16:14 BST
Updated 4th Jun 2017, 21:07 BST
Picture by Julian Brown 19/05/17 Members pictured left, Melvin Gardner, Dorothy Gardner (chair), Linda Woollard, Jenny Hothersall, Joan Burrows and Dougie Gornall at the spot where they would like the feature. Members of Penwortham in Bloom are appealing for Penwortham to have its own gateway feature like in Leyland.Picture by Julian Brown 19/05/17 Members pictured left, Melvin Gardner, Dorothy Gardner (chair), Linda Woollard, Jenny Hothersall, Joan Burrows and Dougie Gornall at the spot where they would like the feature. Members of Penwortham in Bloom are appealing for Penwortham to have its own gateway feature like in Leyland.
Picture by Julian Brown 19/05/17 Members pictured left, Melvin Gardner, Dorothy Gardner (chair), Linda Woollard, Jenny Hothersall, Joan Burrows and Dougie Gornall at the spot where they would like the feature. Members of Penwortham in Bloom are appealing for Penwortham to have its own gateway feature like in Leyland.

They are appealing for the donation of a boat, which they hope can be planted with flowers and installed on or around Middleforth roundabout, to mark the entrance to the town.

They have been inspired by gateway features installed in Leyland, including a tank and vintage fire engine, which celebrate the heritage and industry of the town.

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A 25ft tall metal ‘Welcome’ sign has also recently been installed on the junction of Station Road and the A6, Bamber Bridge, as part of a regeneration scheme.

Melvyn Gardner of Penwortham in Bloom, said: “There’s all these gateway features around Leyland, but we’ve got nothing in Penwortham.

“South Ribble own two plots of land around there and it would be a good opportunity.

“We thought a boat would be nice, as it’s near to the river, and would look really good filled up with flowers. I’m sure there must be someone with a boat looking to get rid of it.”

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Now the group is looking for funding from South Ribble Council. The idea has support from the Penwortham Neighbourhood Forum and Penwortham Town Council, which hopes it will boost participation in Penwortham in Bloom - a competition aimed at adding brightness, colour and civic pride to Penwortham.

Steve Caswell, town manager, said: “These are exciting times in Penwortham and we are looking the improve on our gold award this year with not only introducing this gateway feature but we’re also hoping that more people and especially the business community will get involved this year.”

South Ribble Council were unavailable for comment.

To donate a boat call Steve on 01772 750533.

Related topics:PenworthamOrganisersSouth RibbleLeyland