Grubby Hands take over Dingle rat resort

THINK of what they could do with all those empty fields on Kenny and Smithdown Road. 

An all-inclusive rat resort and fly tip on Park Road has been transformed into a grow-your-own-style community allotment and garden.

The site, in the shadow of the Coleman's Fire Depository, was a blot on the landscape, but now it is flourishing, with fruit, flowers and vegetables. 

A colourful mural has been painted by Dingle-based artist Alan Murray while children from Holy Family and Pleasant Street primary schools are enjoying weekly visits to the site to tend to the plants and flowers.

Benches

The garden, called Grubby Hands, was officially launched during a special ceremony attended by representatives from the local community, schoolkids and housing association Plus Dane and Liverpool City Council.

It funded the clearance of the land, while Plus Dane built raised beds and put in benches and picnic tables working with residents and schools to encourage them to get involved.

Councillor Steve Munby, Cabinet Member for Communities on Liverpool City Council, said: “To see a site that had been deep in rubbish be transformed into such a beautiful, sunny space is fantastic.  

Christine Dohren, a teacher at Holy Family Primary School, echoed Councillor’s Munby’s comments, saying: “The children really love coming here and it is also very educational as they can experience the growing cycle for themselves. 

“They are also enjoying the fruits of their labour, eating some of the produce they have grown.” 

Cllr Steve Munby; Julie Tomlinson, Youth Engagement Manager Plus Dane; Chris Carline, Ward Support Office Liverpool City Council. Front row left to right residents Nick Rogan and Hannah Whitby