LEDBURY in Bloom plans to carry on its campaign over the spring and summer, in the face of the coronavirus crisis.

But the situation is being closely monitored and a strategy of smaller working parties will be employed, not least because many of the organisation's volunteers are elderly and in a more vulnerable category when it comes to viral infection.

Ledbury in Bloom is also concerned about the impact the coronavirus crisis may have on its businesses sponsors.

Ledbury in Bloom chairman, Clive Gunn said: "Most of our volunteers are elderly but we are going to make every effort to carry on and make Ledbury look blooming beautiful by working in smaller groups.

"However, we are also worried about our normal sponsors who may be even more financially troubled by the current situation. Last year we were grateful for a number of new small donations which helped us to survive."

One life-line could be the fact that Ledbury in Bloom has just been chosen as one of three choices for the Tesco Bags of Help Scheme, starting from April.

Mr Gunn said it was "ironic" that this has come at a time when so many people will be self-isolating because of the coronavirus.

But he said to Ledbury's Tesco shoppers: "Please give us your tokens!"

Ledbury in Bloom goes into the troubled 2020 campaign with the awareness that the coronavirus situation is likely to be fast moving, while facing a need for more hands in the flower beds, despite the use of smaller working parties.

Mr Gunn said: "We do have an urgent need for some younger reinforcements, even just one hour a month for six months is all we need if enough people volunteer."

Meanwhile, the work goes on.

"Mr Gunn said: "On a more positive note people may have noticed that the lower troughs at the Top Cross have been replaced and replanted.

"They were designed and built by local craftsman John Wadley using local materials supplied by Ellis Dawes and were installed by the volunteers under the direction of Deputy Chair Tina Vass. The project was sponsored by Ledbury Town Council. Our thanks to the all."

Ledbury in Bloom has won gold awards in each of the last 13 years of the national competition, which rewards towns that produce impressive floral displays.

And the game remains on for this year, depending on circumstances.

Mr Gunn said: "We are entered into Heart Of England In Bloom but may withdraw if it seems wise to do so. The situation may change."

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