Community garden group bid for £50k grant
A COMMUNITY group has a blooming marvellous idea to redevelop a city eyesore with a £49,999 grant.
Community group Friends of Hillfield Gardens has applied to get the sum from the Community Spaces Lottery fund to revamp a dilapidated piece of council-owned green space off London Road.
The green-fingered group has been given permission by Gloucester City Council to transform the old rose garden at Hillfield Gardens into a sensory garden. The group also want to turn a derelict council nursery into a woodland nature area.
The group's chairman Julia Hurrell said the funding would mean a great deal to residents in the area.
She said: "Getting the money would be brilliant for the area but would also open up the gardens to so many more people.
"The space would be fantastic, just a really nice place for people to sit and relax."
Julia added: "We have two gardens that we want to renovate. We want to transform the rose garden and make it accessible for older residents and those with mobility issues. We also want a space where residents can reflect, a nice quiet place where we can encourage local wildlife."
Liberal Democrat leader Jeremy Hilton has leant his support to project.
He told The Citizen: "This is a really good idea and they have my full backing. If the group needs me to, I will happily write a letter of support to the Lottery Fund. The project will be a good improvement and enhancement to the gardens in the area.
"The sensory garden is a great idea for people living in the area with poor sight and will be a great help to those with disabilities."
Community group Friends of Hillfield Gardens has leafleted 500 residents in the area about the application and is eager to have feedback on their plans. Interested residents should write to Friends of Hillview Gardens, 31 Denmark Road, Gloucester, GL1 3JQ.
Comments
by LizHoather
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 7:33AM
“I feel very sad that the writer of this report felt it neccessary to refer to Hillfield Gardens as 'an eyesore'. It is a very tranquil oasis in a busy world - either to walk round, through, or just to sit and watch the squirrels playing between the trees. The site also has a fascinating history leaving behind decorative stone structures ..ideal for photoshoots.
On this point - I can't understand why the council doesn't re locate the Registry Office to Hillfield House - providing couples with a more welcoming venue with beautiful photo oportunities rather than the soul less surroundings of Shire Hall.
The volunteers work hard to keep the gardens neat and tidy throughout the year, planting the beds with seasonal flowers and shrubs and keeping the more mature shrubberies trimmed and well cared for. Thank you to them for all their efforts on our behalf and very best wishes on this latest project.”