A FAILURE by Waverley Borough Council to maintain plant bedding in Gostrey Meadow cost Farnham vital points in the judging for the South East In Bloom awards.

This was the view of judges of the competition, which has been won by the town four times in recent years. This week the title went to Swanley in Kent.

Judges labelled Gostrey Meadow "not up to standard" In particular, the bedding-out around the war memorial was deemed very poor. Judges also noticed dead trees in Alan Mitchell Avenue, which counted against Farnham's bid.

However, consolation came in winning the cleanest town in the South East Award, which The Herald understands was boosted by specialist cleaning equipment brought in by the borough council.

Madge Green, of Farnham in Bloom said: "I suppose we are just a little disappointed that we didn't pull off first prize once more, having won four firsts in the immediate past.

"We are, however, delighted that we were awarded the special trophy, presented by the sponsors, Southern Water as the cleanest place in the South of England of more than 10,000 population, beating places such as Guildford, Woking, Eastbourne and Brighton to this coveted trophy."

In spite of the problems with Gostrey Meadow, she added that Waverley Borough Council had been "very supportive" of its activities.

The chairman of South East In Bloom, Peter Holman, said at the awards, held at Swanley: "The town was so clean we were almost afraid to walk over the pavements.

Competition judges added: "It was a very close run thing with Swanley coming first. Overall we felt the floral displays in Farnham well complemented the architecture and historical nature of the town."

Responding to the situation, a Waverley spokesperson said they learned of the problems with Gostrey Meadow after the In Bloom competition had been judged.

She said a judge highlighted the problems, which the council attended to as soon as they became aware of them.

"As a result of the problem, we have suggested working with Madge Green for the colour scheme on next year's In Bloom, and to have a walk round before judging takes place."