Community garden opens

RESIDENTS of Longford, Warrington, celebrated the opening of their new community garden with live music, art workshops and a falconry display.
The official opening was performed by Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the North West Development Agency.
For years, the houses surrounding the site overlooked a wasteland that was neglected and overgrown.
However, over the last three years, members of the local community have worked alongside organisations to transform the derelict site into an attractive community space.
As a result of the project, the community now has a place to enjoy which is a haven for wildlife and a place to meet.
Pupils of Meadowside Primary School who attended the opening ceremony have already been busy growing vegetables and herbs on the site.
Roy Humphreys, chairman of Longford Residents Association said: “It is fantastic to see a local eyesore transformed into a beautiful garden that can be shared and enjoyed by all the community for years to come.”
Sally Rogers, of environmental charity Groundwork Merseyside, who worked closely with the community on the project, said: “The success of the project is a real testament to the energy and commitment from members of the community and the partnership working of the organisations involved.”
The project was delivered by Groundwork Merseyside and funded by NWDA, WREN, Golden Gates Housing, Stronger Together in Warrington and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.
Mr Broomhead said, “The community gardens at Longford Park will be a real asset to this area of Warrington, improving the environmental, social and economic well-being of the town.”