The Grimsby Telegraph reported today that a a neglected courtyard in Grimsby was this week turned into a vibrant community garden.

The newspaper reports:

With £2,100 of Community First funding, the previously “unusable” space at the rear of Petchell Way, off Railway Street, has been turned into a garden for residents to enjoy.

Two large wooden planters have been installed and filled with greenery, while two benches have been introduced for families to admire the space.

Councillor Steve Beasant, who helped secure the funding, said: “This was a very unkempt area before, that was unusable for the residents.

“We’ve cleared it out and removed all of the weeds and then introduced the planters and benches to brighten it up.

“It was rather drab but now it’s a brighter place for residents to spend their time.

“We hope that they will be inspired to get some hanging baskets and other plants to make it even more vibrant.”

The work was carried out by Councillor Beasant and volunteers from Green Futures, which is based at Bradley.

Spokeswoman Elaine Atkinson, who is also chairman of Grimsby In Bloom, added: “It’s wonderful to see an area like this becoming somewhere that residents can take pride in.

“It gives them a much nicer outlook from their properties.

“We are all about making Grimsby a greener place and it would be wonderful if the residents of Petchell Way really took ownership of this space and entered Grimsby In Bloom in the future.”

Resident Howard Kenneth, 71, has lived in Petchell Way since the properties were built.

He said: “I think this will be a really nice spot for the people who live down here to be able to come and sit out in.

“This area was nice when we first moved in but it has really deteriorated over the years so it’s good to see it looking nice again.

“It’s a vast improvement and I hope everyone will look after it.”