Free Spring bulbs for community groups

Green-fingered community workers planning to take part in a spring planting competition can pick up their free bulbs next week.

The bulbs will be handed out at distribution points across East Durham from Monday, 13 October to Thursday, 16 October as part of District of Easington Council’s Spring into Action bulb planting challenge.

The contest, which has been organised through the authority’s Pride in Easington campaign, is open to schools, community groups, residents’ associations and other voluntary sector organisations.

Every group that takes part is being challenged to plant as many bulbs as possible at a site of their choice, with the winning group receiving a special prize.

Coun George Patterson, Chairman of the Pride in Easington steering group, said: “This is our second bulb planting challenge but we’re already hoping to better last year’s efforts. I’d like to encourage local groups to collect their free bulbs and get planting!”

The bulb planting challenge was officially launched by youngsters at Seaham Children’s Centre, who took part in the first planting session of the contest.

The Pride in Easington Spring into Action bulb planting challenge is organised in partnership with Green Lane Nurseries, Trimdon Station and Asda, Peterlee.

To register to take part or for more information contact the Pride in Easington team on (0191) 527 0501 or e.mail pride@easington.gov.uk

· Community groups can claim their free bulbs on the following days:

Monday, 13 October
o Easington Council Offices (Building 9)  9.30am – 4.30pm
o East Durham Trust, Peterlee   10.30am – 11.30am
o Oakerside Community Centre, Peterlee  11.45am – 12.45pm
o Blackhall Community Centre   1.15pm – 2.15pm
o BlitzBus, Sunderland Road, Horden  2.30pm – 3.30pm

Tuesday, 14 October
o Easington Council Offices (Building 9)  9.30am – 4.30pm
o Eastlea Community Centre, Seaham  9.30am – 10.30am
o Seaham Children’s Centre, North Terrace  10.45am – 11.45am
o Wheatley Hill Community Centre   12pm – 1pm
o Shotton Community Centre   1.15pm – 2.15pm
o Haswell and District Mencap   2.30pm – 3.30pm

Wednesday, 15 October
o Easington Council Offices (Building 9)  9.30am – 4.30pm
o Wingate Community Centre   9.30am – 10.30am
o Station Town Community Centre   10.45am – 11.45am
o South Hetton Community Centre   12.30pm – 1.30pm

Thursday, 16 October
o Easington Council Offices (Building 9)  9.30am – 4.30pm
o Deaf Hill Residents Association   9.30am – 10.30am
o Easington Social Welfare Centre   10.45am – 11.45am
o Glebe Centre, Murton    12.30pm – 1.30pm
o Thornley Library    1.45pm – 2.45pm