The new In Bloom Group, Blooming Bay-Thorpe, is working together in partnership with Scarborough Borough Council’s Parks and Countryside Services to enhance floral and environmental aspects of the two villages.

The group which has four committed members has been running since January but held its official launch on Saturday.

The borough mayor, Coun Bill Chatt and the deputy mayor of Whitby, Coun Heather Coughlan, jointly launched the group at a fund-raising event opposite the post office in Robin Hood’s Bay.

Ruth Foster, chairman of Blooming Bay-Thorpe, said she is delighted with the response of local residents and businesses:

“The aim of the new bloom group is to enhance the beauty of our village by keeping it clean and tidy and by looking after the natural floral heritage found here.

“We are now holding regular litter picks and work parties every month which everyone is welcome to attend.”

The group which intends to apply for grant funding has already carried out a number of successful litter picking sessions with up to 30 locals joining into help and two more sessions are planned next month at the top car park in Robin Hood’s Bay.

Ideas planned include the re-planting of a rose bed opposite ‘Bay post office, a wildlife garden at the bottom of ‘Bay at Jim Bell’s Style and sweeping and tidying up the area around the cobbles and bulb planting.

Roger Burnett, Scarborough Borough Council’s parks and countryside manager said he is pleased to be working with the group.

“Blooming Bay-Thorpe is the latest group of volunteers to join our bloom family across the borough.

“This group are following examples of other well-established Bloom groups and yet they face unique challenges.

“Having huge visitor numbers and narrow streets present particular horticultural and environmental problems which the new group are working hard to overcome but we hope, by working in partnership, to be able to enhance the natural beauty of Robin Hood’s Bay and Fylingthorpe for residents and visitors alike.”

For more details about Blooming Bay-Thorpe, events, and activities call Ruth Foster on (01947) 880055 or call Sheila Johnson of Scarborough Borough Council’s parks and countryside services on (01723) 374079.