16 residents of Larkshall Road, Chingford braved the wet weather last week to plant up their vegetable patches as part of the Greening Communities project. Mainly winter vegetables went in, including carrots, kale, potatoes and artichokes.

This community garden has been a work in progress for some time now. Starting in 2009 when the area was fenced off from the main road and volunteers helped clear the space which was overgrown and cluttered with dumped refuse. Since then, residents have put in a seating area, planted rose bushes and now raised planters for fruit and vegetables.

All ages got involved and many new introductions were made. As well as interest to do more planting, there is a clear commitment to sustain the project long term. In the words of Bill (pictured) who has been driving the project; ‘I’m so pleased the community can get together like this, I thought it would never happen again. This is just the start for us, we’ve got big plans for this garden.’

Andy Vella, Housing Team Leader said, 'We started off with a piece of wasteland which we didn’t even know was ours and with the help of the residents we have transformed it into an area everyone can enjoy. It just goes to show that a project like this doesn't just improve the look of an estate, it brings people together and that creates a better sense of community sprit which everyone benefits from. Well done Angus & co!"