When: 10.30am – 12noon, Tuesday 15th April 2008.

Where: Woodend Court, Woodend Lane, Hyde, Tameside.

What: Whimsical Woodend – Environmental/Gardening Project
An event organised by Manchester & District Housing Association and funded by the Environment Agency, which will see residents improving their surrounding area.

Alan Titchmarsh will have nothing on the residents of Woodend Court in Hyde, as they come together with trowels and plants in hand to make improvements to the grounds of their homes. The community event, which has been organised by Manchester & District Housing Association, a member of Harvest Housing Group, is designed to give residents the encouragement and empowerment to make a difference to their local environment and will also inject a splash of spring colour.

The project is funded by an ‘Action Earth’ grant from the Environment Agency, enabling the purchase of the tools, equipment and materials needed, including flowers and hanging baskets that will adorn the Court upon completion of the project. Action Earth has challenged local communities to identify ways in which they can protect and enhance their built and natural environment and M&D have stepped up to that challenge with real enthusiasm, having previously organised similar schemes in other neighbourhoods.

Commenting on the project, Diane Russell, Neighbourhood Regeneration Officer for M&D said:

“This is a small project but it will make a big difference to the area. We are delighted to be involved in such projects which improve not only the appearance of our neighbourhoods but also help to increase residents’ pride in their surroundings”.