The consistently diligent work of numerous local community volunteer groups was formally recognised for the third successive year as Athlone achieved a gold medal standard accolade at the annual National Tidy Town’s awards ceremony.
Such positive news was warmly received by Athlone Tidy Towns committee chairperson, Gerry Johnson, who noted that the gold standard achievement was a just reflection of the collective efforts of all those who strive to present the town in a presentable and welcoming manner.
“We were delighted and honoured to be awarded for the third year running, a gold medal in this year’s National Tidy Towns competition, receiving a total of 361 points from the adjudicator. In addition to this recognition, we also received a county commendation award, which is an added bonus.
“Much hard work has been continuously conducted behind the scenes to achieve such recognition and in particular the hard-working members of our volunteer committee. The report, prepared by the adjudicator following the visit to Athlone on June 9 last, is very detailed and contained within are numerous suggestions which will guide our committee towards more positive results in future years. We take this advice seriously and have already acted upon many of the recommendations made by the adjudicator in last year’s report.
“We are indebted to the many volunteers in residential areas and sporting organisations that quietly conduct clean-ups and planting to improve the attractiveness of the town. These are some of the 30,000 active volunteers of who are part of the great national Tidy Town movement. We also would like to thank the business community, who have enhanced their premises, thus adding to the attractiveness of their streetscape.
“The support of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District and the Westmeath County Council staff plays a large part of our success and in particular their elected members, who advocate for us in making our case for improvements in the town. We also receive assistance from the Probation Services, who help us out when required.
“Athlone has much to offer as a tourist destination and we hope we play our part in making a visit to the town a memorable experience. We are now edging closer to joining the top contenders for the overall prize of Ireland’s tidiest town. More importantly, the town has huge potential and has many attractive features and facilities, which make it a great place to live in and to visit. If we can play our part in improving the attractiveness of Athlone and at the same time promote nature and biodiversity and sustainability, then it is all worth the effort,” Mr Johnson commented.
Municipal District Mayor, Cllr Louise Heavin, afforded due credit to the volunteers who continuously ensure Athlone is presented in a clean and inviting manner.
“I am very proud that our town has received a gold medal at the National Tidy Towns competition, an accolade which is due to the hard work of the volunteers. I have welcomed many visitors over the previous few months to Athlone and I am receiving much positive commentary with regards to how well our town is looking,” Cllr Heavin stated.
