Published: Thursday, 4th September, 2008 12:00
Garden plan keeps growing
Comments (0)
Print Article
GREEN-FINGERED activists who created a community garden on disused council land are opening it again for a fun day.
Reading Grassroots Action, which created the garden in Silver Street, is also in talks to establish a permanent legal site.
Spokesman Stuart Melvin said: “Since opening the Common Ground Community Garden in May 2007, we have resisted being criminalised while fighting for green, community-managed space in our neighbourhood.
“Since turning a council-owned derelict plot into a beautiful community garden, we and our neighbours have ignored injunctions, protested eviction attempts and even faced arrest.
“But finally, we have not only definitely won new sites for at least one community garden, but Common Ground itself has been granted a legal license for a fun day.
“We would really love to welcome everybody to the garden one last time and thank everyone who has supported the project, so we hope to see you there.
“Visitors will be able to find out more about what else we are up to and get involved in the new community garden in Katesgrove.”
The garden will be open 2-9pm this Saturday for family-friendly activities including face-painting, a raffle, refreshments and a live graffiti exhibition produced by local artists.
There will also be acoustic music from The King Blues, who played at Reading Festival on Saturday this year, and Babar Luck.
The Silver Street site – and derelict buildings on it – is partially owned by Reading Borough Council. The garden was closed due to fears over the instability of the buildings, which may be redeveloped. Alternative sites for a garden include in Southampton Street and Elgar Road.
The gardeners are in talks with Katesgrove Residents Association and the council to begin gardening. Anyone interested in helping can email rgacollective@hotmail.co.uk
Entry to the event is free, but donations are appreciated. Email katesgrovegarden@yahoo.co.uk.
Visit www.kingblues.net or www.babarluck.com
Further Details
