EPPING: Pub praised for floral efforts

12:32pm Wednesday 27th August 2008

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WINNERS of a floral competition said the awful weather helped them secure first place.

The Duke of Wellington pub, in Epping High Street, was awarded the top prize in the town council’s Epping in Bloom competition.

Manager Steve Close said: "We are really happy to win. It's all the hard work we’ve put in and it's nice to be recognised for that and for someone to say how well we’ve done.

“We have a gardener who comes in every six months but we have to keep them up to standards in between. It's been pretty easy this year because of all the bad weather we’ve had. If you forget to water one day it doesn't matter because it's more than likely to rain."

Pub staff received a certificate and the trophy from mayor Ben Murphy.

He said: "Keeping our town looking pretty and attractive is very important. It helps local residents take pride in where we live and it draws in trade for local businesses.

“The Duke of Wellington won this year because the outside of the building which looks onto the High Street is beautifully kept with a variety of colourful plants and flowers on show. It's a traditional English pub and well worth a visit."

The venue won the award in 2002 and Mr Close said he was delighted to take the honours again.

"It's taken us six years to win it back but now we've got it we're going to keep it up," he said.

"It will be even better next year."