A ‘jungle eyesore’ in a Birmingham suburb has been transformed into a community garden by local volunteers.
Residents in Cheddar Road, Balsall Heath, will now be able to grow their own vegetables and fruits thanks to the Balsall Heath Forum and Accord Housing Group which organised a social action project to clear up the land behind their homes.
The Pepper Garden project has been under development for several years and was finally completed this month. As well as the garden, part of the site has been transformed into an adventure playground for youngsters.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Shafique Shah planted a symbolic tree at the official opening of the Pepper Garden.
“It’s wonderful not only to see such a beautiful open space which was once unused and uncared for, but the inspiration and dedication of the young volunteers who worked so hard to make it possible,” he said.
Cheddar Road was a notorious red light area until a ‘clear up’ by local residents who formed street watch groups to drive prostitution out of their community.
Abdullah Rehman, chief executive of the Balsall Heath Forum, said: “It was hard to believe that this was the same Cheddar Road that had such a terrible reputation pre-1994. It’s been completely transformed and today we had a street meal with people of all faiths and backgrounds to celebrate another landmark in our ‘New Balsall Heath’ with people bursting with pride.”
The project was backed by the Civic Foundhry and supported by Islamic Help, Hope team 2014, Right Foot First and St Pauls Development Trust. An Islamic Help spokesman said: “We already support the Balsall Heath Forum on projects such as the hamper pack distribution to elderly people in the area, and working together on projects like the Pepper Garden can only further engender the community spirit that we all share.”
