NEWTON Abbot Community Interest Company (CIC) is celebrating the news that it has received an Outstanding Award from the Royal Horticultural Society for its gardening at Penn Inn roundabout.
The CIC, a social enterprise which runs the Buckland Centre together with the Courtenay Centre, has been working with a team of volunteers since completion of the flyover to create a community green space in the centre of the roundabout.
The project has been supported by Plant World Nurseries who donated plants and staff time.
The improved area includes trees, a large shrub bed and a wildflower area. Further work is planned, including improvements to the subways.
Vice Chair John Pike said: ‘We are delighted that the Royal Horticultural Society has chosen to recognise our efforts at Penn Inn with an Outstanding Award. We’d like to thank all those who have worked tirelessly to create a green space there.’
The CIC now wants to hear from anyone keen on sprucing up other parts of the town.
‘We are setting up a network of volunteers and organisations who can help with the management of flowerbeds and small greenspaces in Newton Abbot,’ said Mr Pike.
‘As well as looking for more volunteers, we would like the public’s help in identifying the spaces which need maintenance. This could be a flowerbed you walk past on your way to the shops or an open space you can see from your house.’
Earlier this year the CIC was awarded more than £190,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to provide advice and support activities at The Buckland Centre.
It has also helped to re-form the Friends of Stover Park where a major restoration project is under way.
Its next volunteer action day is planned for Balls Corner (B&Q) at 10am on Sunday November 28. All tools and safety equipment will be provided – although please bring tools and gloves if you have them.
For details contact Emily Farrell on 01626 206690 or email [email protected].