ENTRIES have withered, volunteers have not been forthcoming and a hose-pipe ban has just been announced.

But one man is determined that Oxford will have its day in the sun and re-enter the prestigious Britain in Bloom competition.

Mark Lygo, Oxford City Council’s executive member for parks and sport, said an appeal last month for a volunteer to co-ordinate the city’s bid had not been successful.

And just nine new people came forward saying they wanted to enter the city version of the contest, Oxford in Bloom, after concerns were raised over its future.

But these setbacks, and the hosepipe ban from April 5, have not dampened Mr Lygo’s spirits.

He said: “Some people would say we haven’t got the time and it’s best to leave it, but I won’t be defeated on this one, because I believe we can win it.

“A few people have been interested but we have had nothing concrete and that’s what we’re waiting for. I feel very confident that this will happen, we will do it and we will inspire people.”

Oxford last entered Britain in Bloom in 2007, and won the small city category in 2002.

The current budget for Oxford in Bloom is £3,800. In 2007, the budget was about £12,000 but the council also had a member of staff working on the project.

While much of the work needed for a Britain in Bloom entry, in terms of parks, open spaces, university and college gardens and residential gardens, is already happening, Mr Lygo and the Oxford in Bloom committee are seeking someone to bring all that together.

Mr Lygo said: “I have been disappointed by the lack of volunteers. I appreciate how busy people are but we need someone to come forward, because otherwise we would not be able to enter Britain in Bloom.”

He said the only qualifications for the job were general computer skills, passion and an ability to “think outside the box and be a little bit creative”.

He said: “The structures are all in place, it’s just pulling everybody in.”

Mr Lygo said the volunteer’s work could act as a legacy for future competitions, as well as revitalising interest in the Oxford in Bloom contest, which only attracted entries from about 60 gardeners last year.

He added: “I’m passionate about it, because it gets communities and volunteers working together and we need to work together. This is a tourist city and we want to enhance it in any way we can.”

But he said if no-one had come forward by Friday, he would have to draw a line under the appeal.

Anyone who would like to be involved should call 01865 252240.