A barren piece of land has been transformed into a beautiful communal garden by housing association tenants in Llandudno.
The scheme at St Seiriol’s Gardens was made possible by a £7,000 grant from Cartrefi Conwy’s Community Chest Fund.
The work was done by members of the Flower and Friends group formed by the residents themselves.
They decided the communal area behind their properties was in desperate need of a makeover and asked registered social landlord Cartrefi Conwy to lay new hard standing paths.
Once the new paths were laid tenants got together and formed the Flower and Friends group with the aim of turning the area into a well manicured garden they could all share.
And, according to Neighbourhood Manager Glyn Jones, once tenants secured the Community Chest grant the project really took off.
He said: “What they have achieved is remarkable and very impressive. They now have a communal garden they can spend time in and enjoy together.
“Residents have taken real pride in their garden which was planned and is now cared for thanks to their own Flowers and Friends Club. Tenants can now meet up in a relaxing environment and share a real sense of community.”
The club was formed by tenants Jay Williams, 72, and Margaret Wynne, 75, who are now part of the team maintaining the garden.
Jay said: “Initially we just asked Cartrefi Conwy to put paths in, which they did. We then applied to the Community Chest Fund for a £7,000 grant to help us put the garden together.
“We were awarded the money and set about planning what we were going to do. We started off by having the ground dug up and levelled. Some parts were grassed over while we planted flowers and varnished and filled flower boxes.”
Margaret Wynne added: “We now have a community garden for everyone to share. We have tables and chairs and it’s lovely to see residents sitting out chatting instead of being stuck inside alone.
“There is a real sense of community now and its great to be able to come out when the sun’s shinning to meet and talk. We are really pleased with how it has come together and are determined to look after it.”
Jay added: “In fact we have also seen a real reduction in anti-social behaviour now it’s so lovely. Before the work was done we were having litter and pots knocked over but that seems to have stopped.
“I know residents are thrilled with what we have achieved and Margaret and I enjoy weeding and caring for all the plants too.”
In fact to show their appreciation for all the hard work Jay and Margaret have put in tenants clubbed together and presented the green-fingered pair with a bouquet of flowers each.
Betty Blackwell, 83, has been a St Seiriols Gardens resident 16 years and is delighted with the new look communal garden.
She said: “It’s lovely and we now have somewhere to sit out when it’s sunny instead of being stuck indoors. It’s smashing being able to meet friends and sit outside to talk.
“Jay Williams and Margaret Wynne have done a marvellous job and everyone is thrilled to be able to share such a nice garden.”
Cartrefi Conwy Community Chest Fund committee member David Lloyd-Williams of Rhos-on-Sea, says he is amazed at what St Seiriols Gardens residents have achieved.
He said: “I am hugely impressed with what I have seen and I am delighted the Community Chest grant has been put to such good use.
“The communal garden they have built together will make a huge difference to the lives and general well-being of tenants. The Community Chest Fund can award grants from as little as £500 up to £10,000.
“It’s up to Cartrefi Conwy tenants to think of schemes, such as this communal garden, that would benefit from a grant. As we can all see, the £7,000 awarded to residents of St Seiriols Gardens to build their communal garden area was certainly money well spent.”
