A PROJECT to raise 14 allotment beds, forming a community garden, in the heart of WGC town centre has started.

Aimed to engage the community, schools and young learners, Growing Space will eventually provide a place for people to grow their own vegetables and herbs and then learn how to cook them.

Clare Tyler, from YMCA Training, which is involved alongside The Free Church, YMCA Central Herts and Watford Community Garden to help create the area, told the WHT they hope to put the “garden back into Welwyn Garden City”.

She said: “We wanted to create an area to engage the local community and thought this was something that would.

“For me it’s really exciting as it’s getting youngsters outside and doing things that they’ve never done before.

“It’s really hard work, but they’re loving it; when they turn round at the end of the day they can see what they’ve achieved and be really proud of it, they’ve done a fantastic job.

“We’ve had people queuing to help out, so it has gone really well so far.”

The gardens are at the back of The Free Church, in Church Road, opposite Space.

Clare added once the beds were raised she hoped youngsters and the community would use them on a regular basis.

“It is hoped the project will allow people to achieve a sense of purpose and pride in themselves, and the plants we hope that grow, as well as making new friends.”

The project received �900 from Handside ward councillors, Helen Bromley, Tony Skottowe and Fiona Thomson, as part of their Community Chest handouts.

Now organisers are looking for donations of gardening equipment such as wheelbarrows, spades, forks, hand tools, seeds and a shed.

To help, get involved, or even sponsor a bed for �250, contact Clare Tyler on 01707 290740 or email c.tyler@ymcatraining.org.uk