GREEN-fingered residents of Churchill Gardens have set up a new allotment, which they hope will draw the local community together.

The scheme, backed by Boscombe Regeneration Partnership, has seen two raised containers in the gardens planted with a range of herbs and vegetables.

It is also hoped that the increased local presence in the gardens will help drive out antisocial behaviour, including drinking and drug dealing.

Local resident James Druce, leading the allotment project, said he was keen to create something positive for the area.

“Churchill Gardens has a fantastic park and is a great place for the family and we want to encourage more people to come and use it,” he said.

“I was keen to establish something in the park that everyone can get involved in.

“It’s a great location for an allotment as it’s easily accessible by everyone. I’d welcome anyone who’s got an interest in gardening or just wants to find out what we’re doing to come down and take a look.”

Both the containers and plants were funded through a social enterprise grant from charity UnLtd, while Bournemouth Council’s Parks team provided the soil.

Ward councillor and cabinet member for regeneration Jane Kelly said: “This is a great example of the local community working in partnership with the council, pulling together to bring about improvements and involve the local residents that live in the area.

“We have organised picnics and barbecues in the gardens to try and bring the community together and this ties in with that.

“It is really important to create a sense of ownership in the gardens, as that can drive out some of the anti-social behaviour which occurs there.”

The project forms part of the council’s ‘Bournemouth’s Growing’ campaign for the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom Competition 2013.

For more information on getting involved with the allotment project email chris.mcmillan@ bournemouth.gov.uk.