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.
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