Garden party time for Stoke Newington estate residents

A party was in full swing at a Stoke Newington estate last night as residents celebrated the opening of their new garden.

Children enjoyed face-painting and games whilst finishing touches were put to the raised beds newly-installed at the Sandford Estate, Bethune Road.

The area was transformed from bare concrete into a community garden where residents can grow food and flowers.

Charity Groundwork London helped create the garden after residents Irene Lewington, 83, and Sarah Stock asked for their help.

Ms Stock cut the ribbon at the party to declare the garden officially open.

Residents have already begun to grow vegetables in the planters funded by Vacant Lot, a project which aims to develop food growing and gardening skills amongst residents.

Clare Norwood, a Community Gardener for Groundwork London, said: “Groundwork London is delighted to have worked with our partners on this project and with residents and volunteers to develop this new garden, to transform the area into an active space where the community can grow their own food.

“This project is an example of how changing places and creating opportunities for people to access quality environments changes lives.”

Sandford is the second of three estates in Hackney to have new gardens this spring.