New garden location is blooming amazing
A community garden in Paisley is growing places after it switched to a new location.
The green space, ran by charity the West End Growing Grounds Association ( WEGGA), upped sticks and moved to Underwood Road in the town, one of the busiest roads in the town.
And its popularity has surged after housing provider Sanctuary worked with its contractor CCG, and Renfrewshire Council, to transport the charity’s allotments from nearby Sutherland Street.
The garden, which helps tackle social isolation by forging stronger roots in the community, is a welcome benefit to Buddies in the town’s west end.
John Wilby, WEGGA’s honorary secretary, said: “In Sutherland Street we had two adjacent sites but here everybody’s together.
“It’s created a much more cohesive community where people can come and grow their own food but also enjoy the company.
“One of our concerns in this area has been social isolation.
“A lot of people live alone and we have members now who are getting involved for the first time.
“Our proximity to the ring road has attracted a lot of attention.
“We anticipate that the existing waiting list will quickly grow to fill the remaining raised beds.”
The Scottish Government and Renfrewshire Council are working with Sanctuary to create new housing in Paisley’s west end.
By moving the gardening space Sanctuary can now press ahead with plans for further affordable homes on WEGGA’s former Sutherland Street site.
Resident and WEGGA member Fay Potts said: “This is a much better venue. I have met a lot of people I would otherwise not have encountered, including people of other nationalities.
“Weekends are particularly interesting.
“People bring food, cake, tea and coffee and we sit over in our little seating area.
“We talk, exchange tips and learn about each others lives. It’s lovely.
“It’s more than just a place to grow things, it’s a place to meet.”
This is a much better venue. We talk, exchange tips and learn about each others lives. It’s lovely