Views wanted on Syston Community Garden proposal

Residents in Syston are being encouraged to give their views on a proposal for a community garden in the town.

Charnwood Borough Council is working alongside Syston Town Council and community group Grow Give Live on the project which is looking to create the one and half acre garden on council-owned land off Glebe Way in Syston.

The proposed community garden could include a wildlife pond, forest garden with fruit and nut trees, a woodcraft area, hedgehog houses and a bee hive area.

Proposed designs have been put together and the Council is now after views from local people.

The consultation will run until Monday, November 14, 2022.

If local residents support the proposal, the Council will consider using developer funding, known as section 106 agreements, to do some initial works.

The funds would specifically be used for making environmental improvements to the site such as access works, fencing and a water supply.

Beyond this, Grow Give Live would be responsible for sourcing additional funds to deliver the community garden vision.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for open spaces said: “This is a really exciting proposal for Syston. We know how much being in the fresh air and being amongst nature can help to improve not only our physical but also our mental wellbeing.

“As a Council, we are incredibly proud of our open spaces, and the community garden has potential to be a great addition to the borough. I would encourage residents in the local area to take a look at the proposed designs and have a say.”

Cllr Tom Barkley, borough councillor for Syston West and chairman of Syston Town Council added: “Grow Give Live contacted me a while back with the idea to create a community garden in the town.

“The proposal has lots of potential and could bring many benefits to residents in Syston. It would be great to hear people’s views on the idea so please have a look at the plans and fill out the consultation.”

Grow Give Live is a Syston based community group with a vision to create a community space in the town where sustainability, community and wellbeing are at the heart of everything it does.

The group already encourages the local community to get involved with the outdoors, learn about sustainable growing and living as well as understanding the positive impact it can have on people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

Hannah Coombe, Syston resident and one of the founding members of the group said: “Grow Give Live and the vision to create a community garden began a few years ago during lockdown.

“Grow Give Live is all about sustainable living and community and we believe this project could be a fantastic way to bring residents in Syston together. We are committed to the project and are currently looking into the different funding options beyond any initial works.”

A short questionnaire has been created so people can offer their feedback and comments.

For more information about the project and to complete the questionnaire visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/SystonGarden