Petrus opens Pocket Park

Councillor Richard Farnell with Petrus members and supporters and Pam Warhurst CBE, Founder of Incredible Edible

Petrus Incredible Edible Rochdale (PIER) was joined by over 100 people, including local councillors, representatives from a range of organisations and members of the local communities to celebrate the first anniversary of their Incredible Medical Allotment project and officially opened its Pocket Park on Belfield Road.

Councillor Richard Farnell, Leader of Rochdale Council, and Pam Warhurst CBE, Founder of Incredible Edible were guest speakers.

Councillor Farnell said: “I am delighted with what Petrus members have done and the community effort which had gone in to create a community allotment and a pocket park, for public use.”

Pam Warhust said: “What the community with Petrus's help have created in Rochdale is an inspiration. Wouldn't it be great if every doctor’s surgery grew food for patients to enjoy?”

The Department Of Communities and Local Government has provided some funds to develop the pocket park which increases access to local Green Space.

The park includes a seating area, orchard and wildlife area and is open for anybody from the community to use recreationally and is a fantastic addition to the allotment which is also open to all to use.

The Incredible Edible community allotment currently works with Petrus service users, volunteers and various groups such as local nurseries, the Stroke Association and Mencap to provide a space for people from the whole community to learn and grow food together for free. The project is developing good links with the Croft Shifa Medical centre which is next door.

Denis Skelton, Petrus co-ordinator, said: “The event was very successful and enjoyed by all who attended. PIER would like to thank everybody who has supported us in particular the volunteers and groups that we work with who have worked so hard over the last 12 months to transform what was a piece of waste land in to a valuable resource for the whole community.”