Residents in Peasedown St John are making the most of a new initiative being set up by Curo Housing. The Housing Association is making available grants of up to £500 to community groups who want to renovate parcels of land.

Last month, Peasedown St John Residents’ Association put together plans to give a small grassed area outside of St John’s Community Hall a makeover. The design includes raised beds, new fencing, and a quiet reflective space for visitors to sit.

Last week, the housing provider were so impressed with the Association’s plans that they decided to award the full £500 grant.

Nathan Hartley, Secretary for the Residents’ Association, said: “Our new community garden will have something for everyone. In particular, it will be dementia-friendly and aid those with sensory difficulties – so it will help to engage people’s senses of sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound.”

Sensory gardens are popular with and beneficial to both children and adults, especially those who have sensory processing issues, including autism and other disabilities.

“Curo’s grant will help us to create a space that will be welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable to spend time in,” added Nathan.

The project, due to start in July, will be an opportunity for any resident to get ‘stuck in’ to this new venture.

Sarah Seeger, Director of Tenancy Services at Curo, said: “We look forward to seeing the sensory garden take shape and being enjoyed by as many local people as possible. This is a great initiative by the PSJ Residents’ Association, and we encourage other communities to get in touch if they have a great idea for their neighbourhood and need a little support to turn it into reality.

“Our Curo grants have been created to help empower people to improve their neighbourhoods, and we’re delighted to have been able to offer seven such grants since the beginning of the year.”

For further details and to find out how you can get involved, contact the Community Garden Project Manager, Karen Bourne, on: 07903 045808.

For more information about Peasedown St John Residents’ Association, email: [email protected] or visit their Facebook page: ‘Peasedown St John Residents’ Association’.