TAVISTOCK Chamber of Commerce is launching a BLOOM campaign — in the hope of getting 100 local retailers to sign up to displaying hanging baskets throughout the town. Nigel Eadie, the chamber's BLOOM campaign organiser, said; 'As a chamber, we really want to make a spectacular floral impact throughout the town this year. 'Tavistock has won so many accolades in recent years — Best Market Town, Best Food Town, Best Farmers' Market — that we want to establish a strong basis on which to submit a Britain in Bloom entry next year. 'If we can harness the collective enthusiasm and involvement of local businesses, the horticultural club, the council and the community as a whole, we have a great chance of winning our respective category.' With the current concerns towards environmental issues, businesses have to be cognisant of, and responsible towards water usage. As a consequence, the chamber will be using 'eco- friendly' (non peat-based), and water efficient hanging baskets. These units hold a reservoir of some three gallons of water, meaning all the water poured into the basket is saved within its base, allowing the plants to draw water as required. The added benefit is that these water-efficient hanging baskets only need 'topping up' with water every other day. The hanging baskets are set to adorn the town in early June, and will last through until late September. The chamber is co-ordinating the bulk purchase and erection of the baskets working with a specialist company 'Plantscape'. The cost is £35 per basket, and can be ordered directly through the chamber by visiting http://www.tavichamber.co.uk">www.tavichamber.co.uk, or by contacting Mr Eadie on 01882 615883. New businesses will need to purchase a heavy duty bracket (£25) as a one-off charge, which includes structural fixing. The Times has joined the campaign by ordering two hanging baskets, and public relations firm PR Dogs has donated two baskets to be displayed for the local retired community. Mr. Eadie added: 'Last year we had an excellent response within the town. However, this year, we want to make an even bigger impact, and so we need get every single retailer to become involved by committing to display a hanging basket outside their premises.'