Police cadets and council working on Thames View Community garden

Dozens of people came together to turn two Barking and Dagenham spaces into beautiful community gardens.

Local residents clear up an old garage site to change it into a garden

In Campden Crescent, Dagenham, green-fingered volunteers, including local residents and youngsters from the Vibe Youth Club in Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, began work on a former garage site on Saturday.

They cleared weeds, swept away rubbish and painted the front gate.

Over the coming months the volunteers will work every other Saturday until the area has been transformed into a luscious green garden growing flowers and vegetables.

Claire Maskell, who organised the day, said: “It was a fantastic effort from everyone. We were particularly impressed with a group of youngsters who turned up early and stayed all day.”

“It will be wonderful once it’s all finished and the whole community can enjoy the garden.”

Claire is looking for more volunteers to help out. She said: “There are lots of different things to do, from digging and planting to building things. Anyone can come along. The next session is on Saturday, July 7. Just turn up on the day or email me for more information.”

On Monday, the Thames View Safer Neighbourhoods Team, local police cadets and council officers helped tidy Thames View Community Garden, in Bastable Avenue, Barking.

Sgt Richard Wood said: “The garden had fallen into disrepair so we are bringing it back to life again.

“First we will clean it up and then we can start planting things.

“It will look lovely when everything is growing again.”

n To contact Claire Maskell email becontree.ward.central.tra@live.co.uk