Published: May 25, 2010
Dreamscheme members give Highbridge a splash of summer colour

Dozens of colourful hanging baskets have been installed along the streets of Highbridge this week by the town's Dreamscheme members.

Over 40 youngsters from the Highbridge Dreamscheme made a total of 76 baskets during the April half term holidays at Sanders Garden World after deciding they wanted to do something to enhance the town and support its bid to win the regional Britain in Bloom competition.

Burnham and Highbridge's MP, Tessa Munt, visited the team on Sunday (May 23rd), as pictured above, to give them her support as they hung the baskets along the town's streets.

"The baskets really brighten up the streets for residents and visitors and give everyone some pride in the town. The Dreamscheme members do such a superb job here in Highbridge," Tessa told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

Cheddar Vale Nurseries nurtured the baskets for six weeks until they were in full bloom and ready to hang - and the baskets have been offered at no cost on a first-come-first-served basis to all homes and businesses along Church Street and Market Street, the two main roads in Highbridge.

On Sunday the baskets were moved to the town where the Dreamscheme members worked with local tradesman, putting up brackets and the baskets outside selected homes and businesses.

One of the group's leaders, PCSO Claire Chambers, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The young people and volunteers have worked really hard throughout the project, which has been funded by the 'Grassroots Grant programme' from the Somerset Community Foundation."

"We thank all those who have supported the initiative by agreeing to have a basket put up outside their premise and promising to look after them for us."

"We must also thank the staff at Cheddar Vale Nurseries who have been a fantastic support by letting us use their facilities to care for the baskets."

Jane Brooks, local resident and owner of Skidmarx in Church Street, added: "The young people have done a fantastic job - the baskets are absolutely beautiful and have really transformed and brightened up the street."

"Thank you to all those who have helped the scheme - it's not often you see people in the community get together to do something so lovely, I can't wait to see them in full bloom!"

Highbridge district councillor Joe Leach, who was also at Sunday's event, said: "I think it's wonderful that the Dreamscheme are making such a positive difference to the asthetics of Highbridge. The town has taken such a dogging down recently - I am pleased to know that there are people who take pride in Highbridge to make it better, and to know that those people are mostly young people is even better, it's their town as much as ours. I also thank those who made this possible - together we can still make Highbridge a town to be proud of."

Highbridge's Dreamscheme was set up in January 2009 by local police in partnership with the Local Action Team for Highbridge and see young people aged 8 - 16 taking part in community work, earning points which can be used towards day trips and other activities.

Burnham and Highbridge MP Tessa Munt with Dreamscheme members at Sunday's event