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Urban oasis proves grass IS greener

30/ 8/2002

HARDWORKING greeners have created an urban paradise from the overgrown ruins of a community garden.

A team of 11 Irlams O'Th' Height residents have spent no less than three years creating a special 'secret garden' for the 150 people who live nearby.

With a £6,400 grant from Greening Greater Manchester they have turned the wild, rubbish filled waste land into their own Eden, with picnic tables, tubs of flowers, raised flower beds, a table tennis table, and beautifully manicured lawns.

Project leader Grant Rogers, chairman of Claremont and New Herbert Street Garden Committee, said: "The hardest part of the project was not the digging, paving and moving 22 tonnes of earth, cement and bricks, but getting started by filling in loads of application papers and attending official meetings. Now the garden is finished it has definitely been worthwhile, it just looks great!"

Wife Cheryl Rogers added: "Grant has worked very hard. It has been an amazing project - it's been a long haul but now we have a Narnia."

The gardeners were helped by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, council officers, Claremont Community Committee chair Mary Ferrer and the probation service.

Residents are very pleased with the results of their hard work.

Annie Mason said: "I know every inch of this garden as I have raked out two tonnes of stones - it's been a long haul but it is worth it to create a little haven for the kids and adults too."

Seven-year-old Jodie Hoolachan added: "The garden makes me happy, I feel safe playing here. I feel special because none of my friends has a garden this big."