LUDLOW is to launch a blitz on weeds and litter in a bid to reach the finals of next year's prestige Britain in Bloom competition.

"We failed to reach the finals this year because of general untidiness," said town councillor Jim Smithers, the chairman of the Ludlow in Bloom committee.

"We've just got to try a lot harder if we're going to have a chance."

Coun Smithers spoke as he sat on the steps of the council offices at the Buttercross to pick at a spectacular crop of weeds. "Look at this!" he said. "We really need to do something about it."

This year saw the town fail in its first try at reaching the finals. "The judges spent a lot of time telling us why," Coun Smithers explained.

"It's not just about pretty flowers, planters and hanging baskets. Those account for only 35% of the marks. It's about an overall feel and the community working together.

"The community counts for a lot of the points. We're good at food in Ludlow. Let's keep the momentum going and do well in another field."

It often takes five to 10 years to reach the finals. Planning for 2005 has already started.

There will be a public meeting at the Buttercross next Wednesday, at 7.30pm, to discuss a strategy that will involve all members of the community.

Ludlow is taking tips from other towns, including Ledbury, which have done well in previous contests.

Britain in Bloom judges look for imaginative planting and ways of dealing with litter, vandalism and graffiti.