TRADERS and residents in a Bournemouth suburb have united to support the town’s Britain in Bloom bid.

People living and working in Charminster are hoping their colourful floral displays will help Bournemouth succeed in the prestigious competition and also win them the ‘It’s your neighbourhood’ award, which recognises voluntary groups who want to improve their immediate local area.

Charminster in Bloom was set up two years ago by the local traders’ association, who wanted to improve the area and make it safer.

Now a wonderful array of hanging baskets, flower bags on bus stops and flower pedestals decorate the area.

Judges for the South and South East England competition will visit on July 18 and judges from Britain in Bloom will visit on July 29.

As one of six finalists in the coastal category, Bournemouth will be marked on its commitment to environmental responsibility, community participation and horticultural achievement.

Chris Evans, council nursery manager, said: “The work the residents and traders in Charminster have done and what they have achieved has been brilliant.

“The place looks amazing and the community here have really pulled together.”

Maggie Barnaby, owner of Barnaby Opticians, the lead on Charminster in Bloom, said: “We wanted to create a nice feeling in Charminster and make it more attractive to local people.

“It is a multicultural area and it’s been great to see people from different cultures getting involved to help improve the place.”

Lesley Stephenson, secretary of Charminster in Bloom, said: “Statistics say that if somewhere looks nice then it is less likely to be vandalised and we have found that here.

“It has created a feel good factor and has been great for everyone.”