A NEGLECTED corner of Leamington’s Old Town is set for a green facelift.
A ‘Pocket Park’ is set to spring up in Packington Place, off High Street, after local community group ARC CIC secured a £6,500 government grant, further financial backing from Leamington Town Council, and support from developers Wilmott Dixon.
ARC CIC will be working with the ‘Open Spaces’ group – residents working to improve the outdoor environment in south Leamington – to plant trees, create raised beds and hanging baskets. The finished project is also set to include public art.
Kristie Naimo, director of ARC CIC, said “We have some wonderful parks and gardens in the town but this area of South Leamington needs some improvements.
“As a member of the ‘Open Spaces’ group we had identified this site as being one in need of some greenery.”
Ward town councillor Ann Morrison welcomed the planned project.
She said: “I am relieved to see the removal of the bins, and excited about the plans to create a pleasant and welcoming space here in Leamington.
“Residents, traders and passers-by have commented that this area contributed to a feeling of neglect in the town. Now we hope they can feel proud of the area- its people, buildings and history.”
A Warwick District Council spokesperson said the project fitted in with plans to improve green spaces across the district.
A consultation will now take place and the group will be looking for volunteers to help create the pocket park, with work set to start shortly.
Visit www.arccic.co.uk/packington-place-pocket-park/ for further details.
