A MORI survey commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society and the HTA has found that 87 percent of residents would do their bit to improve their environment with the support of their local council.

The RHS is calling on councils to use this public support and sign up to the Britain in Bloom Neighbourhood Awards to reward and encourage resident-led groups to improve their neighbourhoods, particularly in deprived areas. The scheme encourages communities to use sustainable planting to enhance their local streets, start recycling, promote biodiversity and care for their surroundings.

The awards could help councils increase resident satisfaction with their services with a recent government survey showing that the more local people feel they can influence local issues and the more they feel they can participate, the happier they are with their council.

“We know there is a clear link between public satisfaction and public involvement in local services,” stressed Baroness Andrews, parliamentary under secretary of state for communities. “The Local Government White Paper makes a commitment to give communities a bigger say in how the services they use and the places they live are run. The awards give councils a real opportunity to involve and support residents who take action to improve their communities.”

More than 1,500 people took part when the scheme was introduced in Sheffield last year, helping transform over 340 local areas. People taking part have reported a safer, cleaner and more attractive neighbourhood and a thriving community spirit.