SHOPKEEPERS have been told to keep their doorsteps tidy after Colchester lost out to a gold award at Britain in Bloom because of weeds.

Members of Colchester in Bloom arrived in Birmingham with their green fingers crossed in the hopes of walking away with the top award in the small city category.

Instead, they were told by judges the town centre had too many weeds, ruining its chances.

The group instead walked away with a silver gilt award, the same as last year.

Pam Schomberg, of Colchester in Bloom, said: “We were pleased but we were disappointed it wasn’t a gold.

“They said it’s not possible for any town to get a gold when there are so many weeds in the town and not enough street furniture.

“We do try to weed ourselves but but it’s a great big town. We are not a little village.”

Mrs Schomberg said some traders were letting the town down by not clearing up outside their shops.

She said: “Trinity Street has really taken this on board and they work together as a group, the street is really rocking and rolling, but I say this to other shopkeepers and they laugh in my face.

“They say they have more important things to think about.”

Fordham was also recognised by Britain in Bloom for its hard work, also being given a silver gilt award in the village section.

Harrogate won the small city category, while Fordham was pipped to the top spot by villages Castlecaulfield and Elswick.

Julia Travis, one of the team members for Fordham, said: “We were really chuffed. The fact you’re nominated is an achievement in itself.

“And it’s a step up from last year when we were awarded a silver. We are a really small team so it’s nice to get the recognition.”

However, both Fordham and Colchester have missed out on next year’s Britain in Bloom.

There was success for Halstead which was nominated in the town section.

The town was awarded a gold award, voted the best town in Anglia in Bloom and crowned the best overall entry in Anglia in Bloom.

Halstead will hope to make it a hat-trick of Britain in Bloom titles with success this year.

Twice before it has been named as the best floral town in the UK, first in 2012 and then again in 2014.

This year’s Anglia in Bloom competition also saw Halstead in Bloom’s secretary singled out for high praise. Julia Smith was awarded a community champion award for her dedication to Bloom.