There are two prominent flower beds beside the Warrington Town Hall steps, previously maintained by the Borough Council. Responsibility for their upkeep has now passed to the Friends of Warrington Town Hall. What to do next?
Councillor Dave Appleton knew of the MacIntyre Garden Gang's strong reputation for improving community spaces across Warrington. Their previous projects have included local community centres, children's nurseries, primary schools and church gardens, earning them recognition as a team that helps neighbourhoods thrive.
Wanting the gardens to remain a welcoming feature in the heart of the town, Councillor Appleton asked the Garden Gang to take on the upkeep, and of course they were up for the challenge!
Who are the Garden Gang?
The Garden Gang are a local volunteer community gardening group that includes people who draw on MacIntyre's support, people supported through Shared Lives and people from MacIntyre's wider Great Communities outreach.
Twelve regular volunteers are involved in the project, including Richard, Ian, William, PJ and June, and volunteers connected with Great Communities. The group is led by Sarah and Lewis, who have championed the Garden Gang's community projects from the very beginning.
Making a start
The Gang began by clearing weeds, removing old plants and preparing the soil before sowing wildflower seeds ready for summer. Since then, they've returned to edge the lawns, remove litter and keep the borders looking their best. The work will continue throughout the year, ensuring one of Warrington's most visible public spaces remains colourful and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
Councillor Dave Appleton said:
The work the Garden Gang are doing at the Town Hall is absolutely amazing. It's wonderful to see a community group taking care of the gardens at the Town Hall as it's something for all of our community to enjoy. It's also lovely to see the Garden Gang enjoying themselves while making such a positive difference. It will be fantastic to see it blossom – pardon the pun!
