RESIDENTS in Brierley Hill will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour once their community garden comes into bloom.

The garden has been developed on a patch of derelict land in Bull Street, Hawbush, by organisations working closely with residents and young people.

The project aims to provide people in the area with new skills, get them interested in gardening, exercise and volunteering, and to get them involved with community projects.

Councillor Lesley Faulkner, Dudley’s cabinet member for adult and community services, said: “The development of the derelict land has been very important to the residents of Hawbush, who take pride in the area and their achievements.

“This has provided those who took part with an opportunity to undertake some informal and sustained learning, whilst giving something back to the local community. I look forward to seeing it when it is in full bloom.”

A disused building at the site is also being modernised to offer training, employment help, food co-op, community cafe, youth drop-in/resource centre and community events for residents.

Anyone interested in supporting the new Hawbush community gardens initiative or holding events there can call Tony Sidaway from the council’s community renewal team on 01384 813781.