SHOPPERS will soon be able to pick broad beans, courgettes and rhubarb from planters around Witney town centre.

Witney Town Council has teamed up with local groups and charities to fill what used to be flower beds and hanging baskets with edible plants.

The council has co-ordinated the effort in a bid to win gold in this year’s Britain in Bloom competition, which has an ‘Edible Britain’ theme.

Last year, it won silver in the large town category of the Thames and Chilterns in Bloom competition.

Council officers and members of Witney-based group Edible Gardens planted beds in Welch Way with edible plants last week.

Council officer Polly Inness said: “Hopefully, by the time the judges visit in July, there will be a colourful and interesting display and the promise of some fantastic crops to be enjoyed by the residents of Witney.

“We are looking forward, once the judging has taken place and the crops have ripened for harvest, for people being able to help themselves to what they need. “If people do not help themselves. Maybe the food banks will use them. “We are hoping people will hold off before the judging, and most of the food will not be ripe until July, but if there isn’t any food left at least there will be photographic evidence and the judges will know it was popular.”

The town council’s hanging baskets throughout the town will also be planted with strawberries, tomatoes, edible flowers and chillies and will be lowered when the produce is ripe.

Brenda Woods, of Edible Gardens, said: “We chose things that would taste nice and look lovely, along with edible flowers that will attract bees to help with pollination.”

Edible Gardens meets monthly to exchange advice, skills and techniques about gardening and growing food.

During June, Witney-based charity Dig ‘n’ Grow will plant the beds beneath the windows of Langdale Hall with herbs and vegetables.

The charity provides gardening therapy for people with disabilities or mental health issues.

Free edible seeds were provided to the town council by the Royal Horticultural Society, which organises Britain in Bloom, while the Gavin Jones Group, the council’s grounds contractors, donated further plants, compost and other materials. The firm will maintain the beds throughout the summer.

Judges from Britain in Bloom will visit the town on Wednesday, July 10, and the winners will be announced in September.

Meanwhile, the town council is planting up its roundabouts in Welch Way/Tower Hill, Witan Way, outside Sainsbury’s, and Curbridge Road/Deer Park with sustainable plants.