A new community garden is to be created in Burnham-On-Sea to encourage youngsters to get involved with growing healthy food.
A former ornamental garden at rear of the BAY Centre in Cassis Close, which has suffered in recent years from neglect, is to be transformed into the new facility.
The project, which is being overseen by Burnham Dreamscheme, is being funded by Burnham and Highbridge Town Council and Somerset County Council, which have this week handed over cheques.
County Councillor Peter Burridge-Clayton has presented £1,500 from his community fund towards the creation of the garden and the Town Council has this week also given a further £1,950.
Cllr Burridge-Clayton told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “This project will engage young people in all aspects of healthy eating, understanding of agriculture from the sowing of crops to harvesting, good budgeting, and preparation of healthy food. It will also encourage physical activity with a productive end result.”
“Working with Churches Together, this project could also provide healthy food for families who are prevented from accessing quality fresh fruit and vegetables through financial or other reasons, via the food bank project.”
“This is an excellent use of a piece of neglected land and I would like to thank all the volunteers at the Burnham Dreamscheme for their outstanding work within our community.”
John Alexander, Burnham Dreamscheme leader, added: “With this money and the grant from Cllr Burridge-Clayton we can finally start work on our community garden, formerly the ornamental garden at the Bay Centre, which had suffered in recent years from vandalism and neglect.”
“It will be put to good use, allowing the young members of Burnham Dreamscheme – and other users – to plant and grow vegetables which they hope to sell.”
Anybody that wants to get involved can contact John on 07961 049868.
