GENERAL
Residential grounds have been very busy over the last month and it wonderful to see well maintained areas with new trees plants and flowers visible in so many locations. Many people have commented on the flowers in the main streets, particularly those located at the New Street/Dublin Street junction.

In recent weeks almost all approach roads have been tidied up again. Last weekend we also removed a vast number of plastic twines from left behind on poles from the elections. The Town Council have washed all signs, poles, bins etc and weeds have been spayed. Many premises have been painted in the last month. Both Councils will start a major street improvement program at New Street soon and we particularly look forward to the removal of overhead cabling to underground. When this street improvement program is finished, it will really help to improve the first impression of the town.

TIDY TOWNS AND IBAL - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
The Tidy Towns competition is often confused with IBAL. IBAL solely deals with Litter while the National Tidy Towns competition is much broader and even takes approach roads into account. Indeed litter only counts for a maximum of 13% of the marks in the Tidy Towns competition. IBAL judges (who work for AnTaisce) inspect and report on our town three or four times each year. Tidy Towns Judges only carry out their inspection once during the summer (with a follow up visit if the town is in line for a prize) and they issue only one report each year.

We submitted our application to the National Tidy Towns competition a few weeks ago and hope our marks will improve again this year. This year we invested much effort in environmental, heritage and wildlife aspects of the Tidy Towns competition. We also highlighted visibility of the Irish language in the town. All of these issues attract marks in the Tidy Towns competition.

HOW CAN I HELP ?
Please help to make your own area tidy. The simple issues count for a lot in the Tidy Towns judging, so make sure your area has no litter, weeds or graffiti and ensure walls etc are clean. If you have a house or an outside wall that needs painting, please look after this now. Back Lanes must also be clean and tidy and we'd particularly appreciate if you would keep these tidy.

LITTER WARDEN
Litter offences can be reported to the Town Council Litter Warden, Paric McGee at 043 46474. Litter issues outside the 30mph signs should be reported to the County Council (043 46231) Litter Warden, Colm McInerney.

HOW TO CONTACT US
E-mail info@longfordtidytowns.com
Phone 087 9633868 / 086 8205131