Meet the people cleaning up Ilfracombe – one street at a time

A ‘truly inspiring’ effort to clean up Ilfracombe’s neglected streets has grown from the 40-year-old Ilfracombe in Bloom organisation.

‘Treat Your Street’ is a new idea from the town’s Bloom committee, which has included whole street cleans and is encouraging others to take a 10-minute pledge to look after the space outside their home.

Green county councillor for the town Sara Wilson said community action was transforming Ilfracombe and the new initiative was bringing fresh energy to the In Bloom organisation.

Each Sunday morning the orange army of volunteers comes together to tidy forgotten areas.

Councillor Wilson said: “I’m so thrilled to see that after 40 years Ilfracombe in Bloom has a new lease of life and is growing rapidly in membership.

“There is a huge appetite in Ilfracombe to get practically involved in making our town look clean, weed-free and welcoming and Ilfracombe in Bloom have tapped into that energy.

“I’ve joined them on a Treat Your Street clean recently and what a cheerful and hardworking bunch they are and so friendly to new members. It’s a great way to make new friends and show you care.”

Ilfracombe in Bloom has a growing number of new gardening club members and recently acquired a new plot of land which will be used both as a composting centre and nursery.

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Other projects to boost the town include the Ilfracombe war memorial renovation, new stanchions and additional High Street planters.

Cllr Wilson added: “It shows the voluntary power of community action can transform our town and bring back real pride in Ilfracombe.

“As a county councillor people tell me our town needs to look smart and I completely agree – Ilfracombe has a fantastic amount to offer and we want to express pride in where we live and have it look its best.

“I wish there was more money for councils to do this work, but sadly this isn’t the reality as long as government grants to councils don’t keep pace with the costs of running services. 

“The only alternative lies in community action and so huge credit to Ilfracombe in Bloom for bringing people together to make a difference and also for having ambitious plans for exciting future projects.”