EXMOUTH S chances in the national Britain in Bloom competition this year are to be given a boost thanks to tree pollarding work to be carried out by Devon County Council and the planting of new trees in the Magnolia Centre.

EXMOUTH'S chances in the national Britain in Bloom competition this year are to be given a boost thanks to tree pollarding work to be carried out by Devon County Council and the planting of new trees in the Magnolia Centre.

The Exmouth in Bloom committee, with Exmouth Town Council, East Devon District Council and Devon County Council, has undertaken a review of the town in preparation for Exmouth's bid in the Coastal Town category of the competition, and extra effort will now focus on The Parade, with tree branches being pruned.

Councillor Pat Graham, chairman of Exmouth in Bloom, said: "We want to do well and one of the areas of concern was The Parade.

"The existing lime trees are very prone to aphid attack, which produces inordinate amounts of honeydew. This makes all the street furniture and paving sticky and dirt and diesel particles stick to it, turning everything black.

"So it has been agreed with Devon County Council, which is responsible for the trees, that the solution is to pollard them so that the large growth is contained for this summer. There will be attractive green growth, but not so much of it.

"We hope everyone will appreciate that this work is being done towards our on-going quest to improve the appearance of our town centre so it is attractive to residents and visitors alike.

"Also it has been agreed to plant new trees in the Magnolia Centre, where trees used to be, which will enhance the appearance of the whole area around the clock."

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council executive member for environment, said: "I am very pleased that Devon County Council is able to give its support to Exmouth in Bloom. I wish the group and Exmouth success with their efforts."

Councillor Graham Liverton, East Devon District Council's portfolio holder environment, said: "The Exmouth in Bloom volunteers and their counterparts around the county do a fantastic job of enhancing the appearance and appeal of our towns, for the enjoyment of visitors and residents alike. It's important that councils such as Devon County Council and ourselves go the extra mile to supplement their efforts."

Councillor Eileen Wragg, East Devon District Councillor for Exmouth Town Ward and Devon County Councillor for Exmouth Littleham and Town, said: "Exmouth in Bloom volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to enhance our environment, which attracts many visitors to the town.

"The partnership working with Devon County Council and East Devon District Council is very welcome, and I am sure that the high standards which have been achieved in recent years may well be surpassed this coming summer.