UNLOVED areas of Nelson town centre are being given some ‘TLC’ as campaigners prepare for their first ‘in bloom’ bid.

The fledgling Nelson In Bloom has undertaken a mass installation of hanging baskets and a new floral display at the junction of Manchester Road and Broadway.

Supported by staff from Wilkinson’s, the work is in advance of the group’s 2014 North West In Bloom competition application, when the town seeks to emulate the successes of Colne and Blacko and Barnoldswick.

Russell Tennant, Nelson in Bloom chairman, said: “Broadway is one of the main gateways to the very centre of town, the first thing people see if getting off the bus or train and heading for the shops, and we want to make it more welcoming.”

The group wants to ‘hit the ground running’ and will be undertaking some of the planting today.

To get involved, e-mail nelson_in_bloom@yahoo. com or call Yvonne Tennant on 07867 975665.