Sunderland councillor aiming to tackle litter issue in ward
One of Sunderland’s best loved green spaces is set to get some serious flower power, afters thousands of bulbs were planted this autumn. One of Sunderland’s best loved green spaces is set to get some serious flower power, afters thousands of bulbs were planted this autumn.
St Chad’s ward councillors Stuart Porthouse and Darryl Dixon helped fund the purchase of 5,000 bluebells, that have since been planted in West Park, in East Herrington.
The councillors tapped into the area’s Community Chest to part-fund the project, which will add an explosion of colour to the muchloved field, just off the A19 in the south of the city.
Friends of West Park, residents and the local Rainbows turned out to help plant the first 4,000 bulbs on Saturday, October 20, and another 1,000 bulbs were planted this month, with help of professionals from Bishopwearmouth Horticultural Nursery.
Coun Stuart Porthouse, who – as well as being ward councillor in the area – is Cabinet member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “West Park is the jewel in the crown of this area - a muchloved green space that should not only be protected, but highly-prized.
“We have some beautiful parkland in Sunderland, and by investing in it, and keeping it tidy and attractive, we create a place people want to live and play in. We were delighted to support this fabulous planting project.”
Bluebells are a particularly hardy plant and the bulbs need to be planted at least three inches to 12 inches deep.
Another batch will soon be put into the ground by the pupils of East Herrington Primary Academy.
The bulb planting project has been supported by a number of Community Groups who have contributed £50, including: St Chads Church, Herrington WI, East Herrington TWG, East Herrington Primary Academy School, Middle Herrington Methodist Church, Herrington Village Show and St Chad’s Labour Party.