A new garden has been opened at Ludgate House Resource Centre in Alloa, Clackmannanshire Council has said.

The project to create the garden has brought together service users, carers, staff and members of the local and business community.

The idea to create a new garden was brought about by service user Nancy O'Farrell.

She wrote to John Marshall of local firm Marshall Construction to ask for help with materials to create the new outdoor space, after improving the garden for service users was discussed in service user forums. Mr Marshall subsequently generously donated four tons of gravel to the project which helped start the work.

Under the supervision of Council officers, offenders who have been required to undertake a community payback order by the Court, undertook many hours of unpaid work in the garden. They initially cleared all the overgrown bushes and weeds, pressure washed the slabs, painted the garden furniture and prepared the areas planting.

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Housing, Health and Care Convenor, Councillor Les Sharp, said: "The unpaid work squads have done a tremendous job, providing hours of hard work, which is appreciated by everyone involved. Our thanks also go to Marshall Construction and to everyone else who's kind donations have helped to create this wonderful outdoor space.

"During the recent spell of warm weather, service users have been able to enjoy lots of outdoor activities, including gardening and a barbecue. Ludgate House Resource Centre now has a lovely garden that service users can sit out in and enjoy. It has been designed to be safe for service users to walk around in on their own and I'm sure will be enjoyed by service users for years to come."

The garden includes a sensory garden area which features plants with an aroma such as lavender, mint, sage, rosemary and stock. There are also plants that have a special feel to them such as lambs lugs, as well as those that make a sound such a variety of grasses, in order that it can be appreciated by service users with sensory impairments.

The garden will be officially opened on Tuesday 6 August at 12.30pm.

(JP/CD)