Plans are blooming in waste land revamp

Scarva and District Community Organisation is '˜absolutely thrilled' to have been awarded a grant that will enable them to create a garden of reflection and tales, on disused land by the towpath.
Jo-Anne Dobson MLA pictured on the Scarva Tow Path with members of Scarva & District Community Association, Lennard Anderson (Secretary), Sally McAlpine, Dorothy Duffie, Hugh Grattan, Eddie Duffie and Operations Manager Eric Morton ©Edward Byrne Photography INBL1639-208EBJo-Anne Dobson MLA pictured on the Scarva Tow Path with members of Scarva & District Community Association, Lennard Anderson (Secretary), Sally McAlpine, Dorothy Duffie, Hugh Grattan, Eddie Duffie and Operations Manager Eric Morton ©Edward Byrne Photography INBL1639-208EB
Jo-Anne Dobson MLA pictured on the Scarva Tow Path with members of Scarva & District Community Association, Lennard Anderson (Secretary), Sally McAlpine, Dorothy Duffie, Hugh Grattan, Eddie Duffie and Operations Manager Eric Morton ©Edward Byrne Photography INBL1639-208EB

The £10,000 grant was awarded by the Big Lottery Fund.

Speaking of behalf of the group, Mr Leonard Anderson expressed ‘a big thank you’ to Awards for All by Big Lottery.

“Without them we couldn’t have undertaken this project,” he said. “It is a terrific benefit to us and greatly appreciated.”

“The abandoned land is a dreadful eyesore,” continued Mr Anderson. “The council were so keen on the project they granted us ownership.

“We would like to make it a garden of reflection and tales - a living legacy for people today and future generations.

“It will be a narrative celebrating the literary and creative people from local authors to national greats. We hope to include snippets of their work.

“We hope to be able to create a walk-way and seating area and plan to plant native and non-native species of plants including things like poppies that will resonate with people remembering the Somme.

“This project will showcase the best of our community and artistic soul of the district.”

Mr Anderson said that according to PSNI and ABC Council figures, the area is the second most walked place after the Giant’s Causeway.

“We would like it to be an inspirational place where people can sit and reflect.”

Praising the Community Association, local MLA Jo-Anne Dobson said: “The announcement of this grant is fantastic news for the village.

“I commend all the Association members and team responsible for putting together the successful funding application and for their ongoing hard work and determination on behalf of Scarva – it is making a real difference in the community.

“This important grant will help the community in Scarva to work alongside Council officials to enhance and build upon the work which they have already undertaken in the village and I look forward to their continued successes.”