Neglected Fleetwood land blooming thanks to green-fingered youngsters

The NCS Keep Doing Good scheme saw a group of 16 and 17-year-olds take part in activities to equip them with the skills and attitudes needed to become more engaged with their communities.

As part of the scheme, a group of Fylde coast teens were asked to plan and deliver a social action project to help the community in Fleetwood.

The group said they were passionate about mental health - which they felt was a problem for all ages in the town - so they decided to create a garden to use as a space to relax.

A patch of land next to Fleetwood fire station was offered to them by Regenda, and flowers were donated by Coun Paul Galley and his team of volunteers at East Pines Park in Anchorsholme.

Coun Galley said: "Fleetwood Town FC and the Community Trust have been so kind to East Pines Park over the years, so we were delighted to be able to give something back by contributing some plants to this wonderful initiative.

"It is a great project, and through it, we have agreed to grow lots of plants for Fleetwood over the years to come as our way of saying thank you."

John Hartley, NCS manager, said: "This overgrown piece of land can now be enjoyed and used by local residents as a relaxing well-being facility, and I’m really excited to see how our project develops over the next weeks, months and years.

"It’s fantastic to see the efforts shown by organisations such as East Pines Park, Wyre Council and Regenda Group, and it highlights the impact of a strong community spirit.

"The long-term aim is to develop a seating area and a herb garden for the whole community to enjoy and feel a part of. We are encouraging any residents who would like to take their mind off problems to come and do some gardening and support with the upkeep of the land."

Other resources donated to the project came from Wyre Council and the Prince's Trust.

Naomi Mayer, one of the teens who took part in the scheme, said: "We designed the garden for the local community, to help bring a smile to their faces following the difficulties so many have faced recently."