Don’t let garden die off

RESIDENT’S Plea to keep project open for disabled people

A LAST-DITCH plea has been made to save a horticulture project in Shaw which provides work for disabled people.

The Crompton Community Garden Centre in Crompton Cemetery is one of four acclaimed projects for adults with disabilities which could be axed as part of council cuts to balance the budget.

A decision is due to be made in two weeks, and Shaw resident Michelle Farraday is urging locals to write to councillors calling for the project to be spared.

She has written to Oldham Council leader, and Shaw councillor, Howard Sykes, pleading for him to keep it open.

She wrote: “In case you’re not aware of what this project does, it is a fantastic little garden centre managed by the council’s social services, providing work for local people with disabilities, special needs and vulnerable adults — members of our community who are often overlooked with little or no access to everyday things such as work and social activities. Things that people like you or I often take for granted.

“I also know many other local people use the centre such as retired people who don’t have their own garden, local schools during class time as part of the National Curriculum, and families from nearby Children’s Centres who can attend a variety of events.”

Councillor Sykes replied that he helped set up the scheme more than 18 months ago to take under-used council land and transform it into a garden centre run by people with learning disabilities through a council supported employment scheme.

He added: “Getting people with learning disabilities out and into the community doing real work is of great value and it is a scheme that I wholeheartedly agree with.

“As an improved security measure and in order to prevent damage/ vandalism to the garden centre, I managed to find local funding for a higher fence to be erected around the cemetery. I also think that having people working in the cemetery also helps stop anti-social behaviour that may occur around this area.

“Unfortunately due to the current financial climate, all schemes are being looked into.

“I have had numerous meetings with officers and they are currently looking into maintaining this scheme, but efficiencies need to be found and funding is scarce so the main priority is ensuring that the most cost effective schemes are maintained.

“The use as a community garden/allotment will still continue regardless of the decision about those with learning difficulties.”

The other three projects, designed to boost the skills and confidence of disabled people, earmarked for closure are Wildbrook Community Farm, Fitton Hill; Grassroots Community Farm, Failsworth and arts and crafts in Stoneleigh Park.

All those currently on the projects would be guaranteed a place at four other schemes which will remain.