Call for return of community garden

Cllr Dale Mulgrew with local resident Pat Colclough outside the Queens Drive location

A plot of land being prepared for use as a community garden but which fell into disuse after funding was cut has become the subject of a call for its revival.

The location on Queens Drive became vacant after blocks of flats were demolished under the local regeneration programme.

Given the site was not scheduled for development until later in the Kirkholt regeneration programme, there was an idea to turn this plot - next to the Kirkholt medical practice - into a community garden project.

A horticulture social enterprise called Hourglass was commissioned to create the project. Work did commence to prepare the site and to connect utilities onto the plot. This even stretched to the installation of portakabins which were introduced as a shelter for volunteers.

But after funding stopped the project fizzled out and the location is becoming overgrown with weeds.

Cllr Dale Mulgrew thinks the hard work and public funds already spent should not be wasted and should be put to the benefit of the local community. He thinks a small amount of money could get the garden re-opened and used by the many volunteers who have already been involved with the project, or from residents who have expressed an interest in a local green space.

He would now like to see a bid for ward funds put forward at the next Balderstone and Kirkholt area forum in September.

Cllr Mulgrew added: "I understand that so much work and money has gone into this project already. For a small additional bit of money, the garden can be restored for recreational use for next summer.

"Clearly the priorities of the Kirkholt regeneration project is the Strand shopping area, so it could be argued that this Queens drive plot in the current climate won't be developed for a number of years. With this prospect before us, why should the plot suffer from being a lost opportunity and become a ‘no man's land’? Instead, the plot could be resurrected and really provide a facility for those locally who want to get involved with a gardening project."

Local resident Pat Colclough added: "I think it would be great if we were able to recreate a community garden at this site, given I hear there is interest in green plots locally.

"I have also visited the neighbouring medical practice. I have spoken with the practice manager who is willing to open the site up in the morning and close it when the health centre closes in the evening. This would mean there will be no ongoing caretaking costs for the Council."