Last weekend local residents celebrated the official opening of the Bengeo Community Garden on the corner of Duncombe Road and Tower Street in Bengeo, Hertford. The area was formerly the place of the Water Tower, which has become overgrown. A small group of local residents and Councillors worked together with East Herts District Council, Hertford Town Council, Mudlarks, and local residents on clearing the area and turning it into a community garden.
Rachel Carter, Mayor of Hertford, congratulated everyone involved for all their efforts and persistence in making the garden happen – this is the first completed community project which originated in residents’ discussions about the Bengeo Neighbourhood Plan.
Newly elected MP Josh Dean also said: “I am delighted to be here and join you in celebrating this excellent community project. A huge well done to everyone who was involved. This is my first official public engagement as MP. I very much look forward to engaging with residents and community groups.”
The organisers also met with the wonderful Mudlarks, the local charity supporting adults with learning difficulties, who transformed the garden. We were delighted to thank Vic Hobson and the Mudlarks Community Garden team in person and donate £400. Thank you for all those who have donated and supported the project so far.
Veronica Fraser, representing the Bengeo Community Garden group said: “Our thanks go to Mudlarks, East Herts Council, Bengeo Neighbourhood Plan and many volunteers for making this happen. We hope even more people will join us in helping the garden to thrive.”
There are plans to continue with some small improvements of the garden, including having an information board about the history of this area.