A COMMUNITY garden is getting a makeover to make it more accessible to the community.

Volunteers at Annfield Plain Community Garden were joined by staff from Karbon Homes, which donated £1,000, and Deerness Fencing and Landscape to work on the area in Laverick Terrace.

The garden now has a community area, shelter and wheelchair accessible paths.

Hugh Embleton, 62, project leader, said: “I am deeply grateful to both organisations for helping me with this project – it is work that I wouldn’t be able to complete by myself. To receive funding and this level of support is a huge boost. Once all of this work has been completed, I will be able to get on with the planting and setting up the areas for the wildlife.

“I am really looking forward to seeing this project come together and hope that it will encourage local residents to come along, have a chat, share some ideas and get involved. If anybody can spare an hour or two on an evening or weekend, it will be greatly appreciated.”

The garden will be available for groups to enjoy and volunteers hope to work with pupils from Croft Community School, as well as grow vegetables for the local foodbank.

Jessica Wray, community investment officer at Karbon Homes, said: “This project is an excellent example of two organisations working in partnership, helping to shape the communities and places where we operate. Karbon’s aim is to create places that promote health, happiness and wellbeing and I am really looking forward to seeing the positive impact this garden will have on the local community.”

Jim Bates, managing director of Deerness Fencing and Landscaping, added: “We always enjoy the fact we are able to utilise our professional skills to support the local communities in which we work. It was a real pleasure to be asked to demonstrate our skills on the Annfield Plain Community Garden.”