Volunteer team clean up at church hall

Volunteers at St. Paul’s Church Hall car park

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Uniformed groups, local business people, councillors and volunteers came together to tackle a growing problem at St. Paul’s Church Hall car park on Black Pits Road in Norden on Sunday 22 November.

Over the past few years the shrubs and plants which surround the car park and building had become so overgrown that they were extending across pavements, and blocking access paths.

The call to action came from Brownie Group Leader, Gail Reed who had noticed that the overgrowth had not only been causing a problem with access, but also making the car park a hot spot for antisocial behaviour as the nights have drawn in.

The dozen-strong team of volunteers cut back brambles and shrubs, uncovering drains, paths and making the access point park significantly wider and safer for people using the car park. Armed with a spades and cutters, and with the support of local garden maintenance professional, Paul Ellison of Evergreen Landscapes, there was soon a marked improvement that was commended on by many churchgoers using the car park.

Norden Councillor, Peter Winkler, who was part of the team, said: “This car park had become a dark and overgrown spot in the village and has been attracting problems. The cutting back has now made this area a lot more open and safer. The entrance/exit road is now totally clear making it much easier and safer for vehicles and the many people who use the car park each week, especially children attending uniforms group sessions.”

The site is also set to benefit from a new gate at the rear of the car park thanks to funding from the Rochdale Township in Bloom committee. It is hoped that this will help to further secure the site.