Labour Councillors Robin Cross and Ami Ibitson write:

Thanks to hard work from local people and Labour Councillors, work has started on turning a disused patch of overgrown land into the new Pimcott Place people’s park, a haven of 1500m², roughly the size of 6 tennis courts.

The Big Lottery Fund have given the scheme a £160,638.00 grant which will help create the gardens and also increase community cohesion through voluntary and community group activity. This new space will be for everyone to enjoy.

Our colleague Councillor Susan Wise, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: “This is great news for the people who live around Pincott Place. The area has been an eyesore and in the past has attracted anti-social behaviour. Now work is starting, the whole look and feel of the place will change – it will be completely transformed.

“The project has involved the local community right from the start - from choosing the design and layout of flower beds and paths, to planting and maintenance. I can’t wait to see the final result.”

The clearance and landscaping work is being done by a social enterprise scheme in Environwork Lewisham which trains and employs the long-term unemployed, getting local people back into work.

Pimcott People’s Park will have a garden, a sculpture and dedicated sun garden.

Lewisham Council are looking for a name for the people’s park – if your suggestion wins you’ll get a Nintendo Wii! Contact Gareth Schweitzer, People’s Park Project Officer, on 020 8314 2071 or email gareth.schweitzer@lewisham.gov.uk. Suggestions must be received by 15 June.