30 June 2006

Residents at a supported housing scheme in Blackpool are calling for local businesses to help them to transform a derelict back yard into a green retreat.

The budding gardeners need donations of building materials and volunteers' time to help them makeover the disused back yard into a communal garden for leisure, learning and therapeutic activities.

Progress Care Housing Association, which owns and manages the flats, has contributed the cost of a professional design company to help residents create their garden on paper. Now they need donations from generous businesses and local volunteers to help transform their plans into reality.

Says Progress Care's Tenant Participation Officer, Alan Robinson-Grieg: "This is a really worthwhile project and it would be fantastic to see the residents benefit from an outdoor space in which to grow their own food, socialise and relax in."

"They are really enthusiastic about the project and it would be great to see the local community pull together to make it happen."

If you would like to donate paving flags, plants or other building materials or are able to supply tools, a skip or help in clearing and preparing the land for landscaping, please contact Alan on 01772 450890.