COMMUNITIES have benefited from environmental improvement schemes carried out by social housing group.

Coast and Country, which owns 250 acres of green spaces, believes that well designed and well managed green spaces help to bring people together.

Its environmental team identified areas that had become tired or neglected and carried out numerous consultations with residents for their thoughts and ideas on what they would like to see in their communities.

One of the projects in the Lingdale area had previously been plagued with fly-tipping and a nearby beck was congested with litter and rubbish. The area has now been transformed, the beck cleared and a wild flower meadow planted to create a green space that will attract birds, butterflies and bees and enable local school children to get involved.

In Guisborough an area on Park Lane has been re-cultivated with three Purple Schist standing stones, tall Thuja, two Topiary figures and a variety of ornamental grasses and seasonal flowers.

Lorna Buckle from Guisborough Town Pride said: “When it was noticed the flower beds facing onto Park Lane from Howlbeck Road bungalows were looking very sad and dilapidated, a meeting was arranged and ideas invited for new planting.

"Discussions took place as to how we could work together to improve this area and Coast and Country has worked hard on a new design and layout.”

Sam Groves, asset manager at Coast and Country, said: "We are dedicated to improving our communities and the lives of our residents in every way possible.

“We strongly believe that well-managed green spaces, plants, trees, flowers and wildlife help to bring communities together, enhance the look and feel of a neighbourhood and offer leisure and educational opportunities for all ages."