Hertsmere Borough Council has lent its support to a community-planting day in Borehamwood.
More than 20 local people and community representatives gathered alongside councillors, council officers and John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance last week, to help rejuvenate the planters.
The planters have been reduced in height and reshaped to discourage anti-social behaviour in the area, as well as transform them into a colourful display in time for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.
The scheme followed a successful bid to the Home Office Safer Streets Fund drawing on the clear links between a well-maintained area helping to promote communal awareness and pride. Match funding was also provided by Big Local. The funds have also enabled CCTV surveillance in the area to be upgraded.
Local businesses and community groups – Aycliffe Road Day Centre, Herts Mind, the 1372 Squadron RAF Air Cadets and St Michaels Church and All Angels Church – have each adopted a planter and suggested a range of plants along the themes of majesty, wellbeing, ecology and diversity, and memory.
Councillor Seamus Quilty, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “It was great to see the community work alongside the council, getting their hands dirty and making a difference to their local environment. I would like to thank everyone who came along to help and support the community-planting day.
“I am really proud of what we achieved and I am looking forward to when the flowers are in full bloom – that will make everything worthwhile. Our vision for the area is to be clean, green and safe for local people – I believe that we are setting down new roots, for new beginnings – a fresh start for the area.”
Reverend Louise Collins, Vicar of St Michael and All Angels Church and Chaplain of the 1372 Squadron RAF Air Cadets, both in Borehamwood, added: “It is wonderful to be part of this terrific community effort. The Queen’s Jubilee is a once-in-a-lifetime event and we want our corner of Borehamwood to look its absolute best by June. The four themed gardens – Majesty, Memory, Ecology & Diversity and Well-Being – exactly represent our times.
“Huge thanks to Hertsmere Borough Council, John O’Conner, Leecliffe The Big Local and all the groups who have taken part today. Now, what can we do next and how soon can we start?”
Donna Inwood, Chair of Leecliffe Big Local, added: “It has been a pleasure to see the development of the planters on Aycliffe Road and working cohesively with organisations such as St Michaels Church and Hertsmere Borough Council. Leecliffe Big Local is looking forward to seeing the community enjoy new planters.
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