Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom received the accolade in the Large Town category at a ceremony at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Lindley Hall in London. The overall winner was Biddulph in Staffordshire.
Helen Timms, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Parks and Sports Team Administrator, told the Times: “We were delighted to be awarded gold.
“Feedback from our Britain in Bloom judges Rae Beckwith and Dale Hector was very positive, with helpful suggestions as to how to improve our entry next year.”
She added: “The judges applauded each Friends group for their involvement and were impressed with the membership numbers.
“They were also impressed with the community participation of Sherborne Close and the Hawkenbury Allotments, and they thought the delivery of the teaching at Oakley School was outstanding.
“We would like to thank all our volunteers, Friends groups, supporters and sponsors in helping us to achieve this high standard.”
The award is a step up after the town won a silver gilt award at national level last year. It was chosen to represent the South and South East region after winning gold at regional level.
Cranbrook won a silver gilt for the Small Town section in Britain in Bloom after taking the gold medal at regional level.
Among other South and South East entries, Dunorlan Park was overall winner in the Large Park category, while Grosvenor and Hilbert Park also won gold and the Royal Horticultural Society’s Parks and Green Spaces Award.
There was also a gold medal for Tunbridge Wells Cemetery and Crematorium, while Sherborne Close Housing Estate won the Judges’ Award.
RTW in Bloom organiser Katharina Mahler-Bech said: “Bloom was launched in 2010 as a consequence of the ‘Grot Spot’ campaign to improve derelict and dilapidated properties and brownfield sites in our town.
“It has been aiming to achieve a litter-free, cleaner and greener town, and next year we will celebrate ten years, with hopes for even greater success.”
