A NUMBER of civic groups have joined forces to form Altrincham Community Team (ACT).

ACT brings together volunteers from Altrincham and Bowdon Civic Society, Altrincham Town Centre Partnership, Art with a Heart and Our Altrincham.

The new body aims to orchestrate initiatives to revitalise the town.

Altrincham’s 2014 entry to the RHS North West In Bloom competition is ACT's first project and having won ‘Most Improved Entry’ and a Silver Gilt Award in 2013, the theme of the campaign is ‘Going For Gold’ as the team strives to win the competition’s highest accolade.

One of the team’s four founders, Sarah Walmsley of environment group Our Altrincham, said: “We are determined to bring the town together like never before, not just to win a prestigious award in the competition’s 50th year, but also to make Altrincham a town people no longer rush to pass through.

“Altrincham used to be a destination town and it will be again if we all do our bit. We have everything to gain and nothing to lose.”

Following an agreement with Trafford Council, 18 of the town centre’s wooden planters are soon to be offered to community groups and schools who will plant up and maintain their own colourful displays all year round.

ACT is currently fundraising to support the project’s many strands of activity, and is holding a bake sale of home-baked goodies in the Stamford Quarter on March 22nd.

Contributions to the stock for sale are being sought and more details can be obtained by emailing info@altrinchaminbloom.org.uk.