Charity on mission to turn a patch of land in Cwmbran into a thriving community garden

A charity wants to turn a patch of land in Oakfield into a garden and allotment for the community.

United Response supports adults and young people with learning disabilities, mental health needs or physical disabilities. A team recently took over the maintenance of the planters in Oakfield Shops and the charity said it was a “big success, with local shopkeepers lending their support”.

a man waters flowers — The team look after the planters in Oakfield Shops

Now they want to transform a piece of land off East Road that is owned by Bron Afon Community Housing. The team is appealing to local businesses and volunteers to design and create a garden for people with disabilities, school children and the whole community to enjoy.

four men by a planter — People supported by United Response with the council planters

The project is called Oakfield United with Nature and the aim is to “increase the area’s biodiversity” and “donate produce grown on the allotment to local foodbank to support low-income families and individuals in the local area”.

Councillor Alan Slade, Llantarnam Ward, said: “Helping deliver this project is a real labour of love for me. It will absolutely transform this underutilised piece of land into a valuable community asset. I hope that we can rally lots of community support to develop a green space that we can all be proud of.”

Dusi Thomas, Bron Afon’s sustainability and environmental manager, said: “We welcome an opportunity to maximise the value our land can give to the local community and to bring people together.

“The outcome of community engagement conducted by the project so far is very encouraging. This will be such a strong basis to support this initiative to deliver benefits for the community in the long term and we are pleased to be part of this project.”

a man stood by grass — Councillor Alan Slade, Llantarnam Ward on the patch of land off East Road

Paul Gray, United Response service manager, said: “Our guys are really excited to be doing something positive for their community. It gives them a genuine sense of community pride. They were thrilled when one of the local shopkeepers came out to congratulate them and offered to support them with keeping up the watering”.

Do you want to get involved?

If you are from a local business or would like to volunteer your time please contact Norma on 07917 974369 or email [email protected]