A COMPETITION which has celebrated Oxford’s most talented gardeners for 25 years may be forced to close.

Only 69 people put themselves forward for this year’s Oxford in Bloom contest, compared to about 80 in 2010.

Organisers have issued a rallying call to gardeners across the city warning if they don’t sign up, it won’t happen again.

Judge Trisha Stevens, a previous winner of the competition, said it was no longer a cost effective use of money – but would be a huge loss to the city if it did not continue.

She said: “If we don’t get the response from people entering it won’t go ahead.

“It becomes a false economy and a waste of money for things like the prizes, which are worth £100 for the winners, and the presentation evening.

“But Oxford does need it.”

Former Chelsea Flower Show winner Harry Robinson, who judged the schools entries this year, described it as “great shame”.

He said: “If people want it to continue, they must support Oxford in Bloom.

“It's a great thing for the city.”

He pointed out in 1997 Oxford won a silver gilt award in the Europe in Bloom contest, the second top prize.

Oxford City Council spent £3,500 this year on the contest, and £6,000 the year before.

But £14,000 less than expected was raised through advertising and sponsorship, meaning the council is predicted to overspend by £5,000 by the end of this financial year.

Council parks development officer Michelle Legg said: “You have to ask whether it is the best use of council money for such a small percentage of the city’s population.

“The fact is the figures had been dropping year on year.

“We set ourselves a target for this year that we didn’t meet and if we don’t more or less double the number of entries, it probably won’t go ahead.”

Longstanding entrant Janet Lever, 76, from Risinghurst, offered to get on her bike to drum up support.

She said: “I would be happy to canvas again if needed.

“It’s disgraceful if it is cancelled, we have a lovely city and we should be proud of it.

“It would be a great, great shame.”

Former champion Betty Fletcher, 70, from Stockleys Road, Northway, appealed to people to enter.

She said: “You don't have to be a landscape gardener to take part.

“It brings the community together and I think it is a great shame this is happening.”

The Oxford in Bloom committee meets in the new year, when a final decision will be taken on next year's competition.

To register your interest or support for next year’s competition by calling the city council’s parks and open spaces team on 01865 252240 or email parks@oxford.gov.uk