‘Sterling effort’ in Tidy Towns

Challenges of litter, wandering fairy doors and aged signs all taken in stride of community volunteers, says report

SHANNON received 320 marks from a possible 470 in this year’s Tidy Towns contest, winning a lot of praise from the judges.
The adjudicators report on the town said, “A really sterling effort from Shannon here this year. You’ve shown how well a community can deal with setbacks and not just Covid-19. You take litter, wandering fairy doors and aged signs in your stride. Thanks for all the time and effort.
“Not just for your entry but for the massive amount that you are clearly doing for Shannon. Well done.”
It said that there has been a lot of support for the Tidy Towns effort locally. “We are very impressed with the level of commitment we are seeing from Shannon. It’s clear that you are providing a very worthwhile volunteering experience for many of your residents. You are well supported by a range of organisations and groups.
“You more than just got through the Covid-19 period and came up with ways to stay involved and stay in touch with your volunteers and other residents.
“This included the issuing of many ‘starter packs’ and countless Zoom meetings. Well done.”
Regarding streetscapes and public places, the report says, “A number of projects make the news in this category. These include the repainting of the shopping centre, the repainting of the old derelict ESB building and Christmas lights on the bandstand.” It also praises the redone bus shelters and new local street furniture.
Under the heading of ‘Tidiness & Litter Control’ the report says, “You supply a high level of detail here which includes litter volumes and other statistics. Your creation of ‘zones’ is a good one in an area as large as yours. Your self-supported actions are applauded here.
“This adjudicator feels that you’re not alone in being left to your own devices when it comes to horticulture but you appear to be making a good fist of it. Lots of activity by you here. Well done.”
There was also praise for the work done on residential streets and housing areas.
“You’d done lots here, lockdown or no. Gables and junction boxes have been painted, fairy doors made and container plants tended. Well done on all your work in Drumgeely and the new stone flower bed in Ballycasey.
“Again, we’re impressed with your level of detail on the various areas within Shannon.”
There was also praise for Shannon’s approach roads, streets and lanes. “It’s great to see such care being taken with how you plan your containers and hanging baskets. You also pay great attention to your bus shelters and stops and that is good to read.
“Also heartening is your 50% pollinator-friendly statistic for the hanging baskets. Perhaps consider where hanging baskets are taking too much water to be justified.
“Well done on putting up your Pride of Place signs and replacement of old signs and removal of disused poles.”