GREEN-fingered volunteers in Cradley are calling on the people of the village to back their ‘In Bloom’ bid.

The Cradley Residents Association, who have helped the area bloom this summer by filling a number of flower pots and planters, are urging like-minded folk to join them.

Chris Legiewicz, association founder, said: “After speaking to several residents, they are under the impression that Dudley Council supply and look after the plants that have graced the village this year.

“But this is wrong and we need to correct this. The council did supply the containers buts that’s all.

“I have grown the plants, and together with the volunteers – namely Dean Worton at The Round of Beef, Sam at Windmill Hill Post Office, Mandy from the florist, Maureen and Ernie Heath, Kevin and Julie Powis, Cynth and John Whittall, John from The Widders, and David Brenton – we have planted them and kept them watered.”

After the success of the flowers helping to bring some much-needed colour to the village, Chris is hoping to enter ‘Cradley in Bloom’ into the Royal Horticultural Society’s competition next year.

She said: “The feedback from everyone has been wonderful. I think the flowers have made a big difference in the look of the village.

“Together with the regeneration of Colley Gate, which Andy Newton is doing a brilliant job with, the people of Cradley are doing all we can to turn the area around – without much support from the council.

“However, we are now applying for a community forum grant from the council of £4,000 which we could use to plant even more flowers and launch Cradley in Bloom.

“But to enter we will need to get enough people interested in helping out. We need volunteers who could pot the plants, help with the watering and even getting rid of the weeds.

“We will always welcome new volunteers to help around the village, so anyone with anytime to spare please contact me, and together we can make a difference to where we live.”

Chris can be contacted via the Cradley Residents Association Facebook page or by calling her on 07977 457287.