Kentish Express Ashford & District
Volunteers breathe fresh life into land
Green-fingered residents support new plan
Green-fingered residents have pumped life into an area of vacant land which had become a hotbed for fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.
Planning permission for Belgic Court was given the go-ahead in 2014 - a scheme which involved building several houses on land which was previously a play area in The Limes, near Kingsnorth Road.
The land surrounding the development had been planned to be allotments, but was left untouched after only a handful of residents expressed an interest in owning one.
Community members and ward Cllr Heather Hayward (Ash Ind) were keen to put to land to good use, and together launched The Limes Community Garden Project.
The scheme has been met with great enthusiasm - particularly from one wheelchair-bound resident who was one of the very first to sign up to help.
Organisers are looking to run courses and activities in the garden to promote mental health, reduce social isolation and teach horticultural skills.
Harriet Yeo, chairwoman of The Limes Community Garden Charity, is a psychologist by trade and is looking to work with GPs as to how use the garden as a form of therapy.
As spring approaches, volunteers are getting ready increase work in the garden and are inviting people from across the borough to come along and join in.
The charity was formed about six months ago by a small group of trustees.
The land has been cleared and is now secured by fencing to prevent further fly-tipping.
The first gardening event took place on Sunday with a further working party scheduled for Sunday, February 16.
Organisers are hoping to be fully open to visitors this summer.
■ Visit www.thelimescommunitygarden.org for more information.