Village pulls out of contest

Apathy among the majority of the village's 8,500 residents has caused the few people who do work on the project to become disenchanted.

And the cost of keeping the streets clean and tidy, looking after roadside flower beds, hanging baskets and village notice boards has become too much. Penkridge won the best large village title in 2002.

But parish councillors took the decision not to enter this year at their meeting last night.

They hope their failure to fund the contest will inspire more residents and organisations to get involved and do their bit.

Councillor Robert Hodgkiss told the meeting: "Unfortunately all the work required to be undertaken to ensure the village was kept clean and tidy fell to a small group of people and a lot of them were very disenchanted as a result.

"A lot of people had to do the work on top of what they were paid for and we didn't do too well in 2006."

Councillor John McPheat said the village was not ready to compete.

"We have tried it over the years and we had a rush of blood to the head one year and achieved the accolade of Best Kept Village, but we haven't been able to sustain it.

"Until the village, through its various organisations, gives its mind to this we should not be doing it and I continue my opposition."

Councillor Peter Jones said: "For many years I have supported the competition but having heard the points of view I am convinced, at least for the time being, that we are not in a position to enter it.

"I would like to believe our withdrawal might have some impact and might do us some good for the future entry."