This article is from page 4 of the 2007-09-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
THE people of Ballynacally were in celebratory mode last night as the village scooped a county Endeavour award, at the national Tidy Towns competition.
Ballynacally increased its points from last year by 21, from 250 to 271. In doing so, the area recorded the single biggest improvement in Clare and won the Endeavour award for the second time, having first scooped it five years ago.
Frank Gavin, who is a member of
the hardworking Tidy Towns com- mittee, said everybody is thrilled with the results. ;
“It’s thanks to the residents, FAS and everybody that contributed. It was decided not to enhance the area too much, not to overdo it, and keep the village character,” said Mr Gavin. “Obviously it’s paying divi- dends. Flowers and colour can do a lot,” he said.
A committee of six people spear- headed the campaign to keep the area neat and tidy. They were backed by people living in the area. “We or-
ganised work evenings on Thursdays and some people turned out. We were delighted with that. The aim is to continue on and do well,” he said.
Mr Gavin said winning the En- deavour award was a huge reward for locals. “We are delighted with this award. We have been doing well in the Clare in Bloom competition for the past few years,” he said.
Kilkee also showed a remarkable improvement, with its points tally in- creasing from 256 to 270. That was the second highest increase in any part of Clare, when compared to last
year’s figures.
Secretary of the Tidy Towns com- mittee in Kilkee, Pauline Barry said she was thrilled with the result.
“Over the years, we have had major problems with Hodge’s Green and Allander’s Field. Major work has been done on both of those areas. They had previously been two ma- jor blackspots. I’m sure the marks in those areas increased,” she said.
“We are hoping to keep it going. The aim is to identify projects for the coming year, now that those have been completed,’ she added.