Secret garden opens behind Newland Avenue

A NEW "secret garden" tucked behind houses in Newland Avenue, west Hull, was officially opened last night.

The community garden is at the north end of the street, reached by a small path down the side of Number 196.

It boasts bird houses, a water feature, picnic benches, a community noticeboard and bat boxes and will now be a focal point for families and street events.

The wasteland was transformed into a wonderland thanks to the hard work of members of the Rosebery Community Group, which was given a £5,000 grant by Hull City Council.

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Group leader Keith Brown said: "The green area was already used by residents, but there was nothing here.

"Now people can sit out and enjoy spending time with their families.

"A lot of houses backing on to the garden only have a little courtyard or no garden of their own.

"It will be a place shoppers visiting Newland Avenue can stop and have a rest.

"We are so pleased all the work has finally come to fruition."

Keith and the Rosebery Avenue residents were given £5,000 from the council's Community Initiative's Budget.

Newland Ward councillors Mike Ross and John Shipley agreed to the funding.

The residents' group will maintain the green space, except for the trees, which will remain a council responsibility.

The site, which was formally Woodbine Terrace before Newland was redeveloped, will now also be used for local events.

Keith said: "Our first event in the garden will be Christmas carol concert on December 16 and 23 from 5pm to 7pm.

"For 20p, residents can come and have hot soup, a roll, a hot chocolate and sing some carols with a choir.

"Apart from the carols, we will be shutting the garden over winter so the ground doesn't get muddy and slippy.

"But it will be open from spring to autumn from 9am to 5pm, including weekends, so children can enjoy it after school."

The residents group hope to further expand on the work they have done to the garden in 2013.

Suggestions already include more planters, planting daffodil bulbs and an allotment patch to grow vegetables.

Ward councillor John Shipley, who was at the opening last night, said: "It is good that Keith and the residents have put so much time and energy into this land."

Tickets for the caroling concert will be on sale at the Newland Avenue Christmas Lights Switch-On on November 28.

During the switch-on, a Christmas grotto will be set up in the garden.

Have you got a story for the Avenues? E-mail e.wright@mailnewsmedia.co.uk or call Emma Wright on 01482 315154.