16/04/2008

Spruce Up for Town Centre Sites

Town centre sites are getting a horticultural makeover this summer as part of the Council's Community Pride programme.

Working with a team from Solutions SK, the first area to get the special treatment is Newbridge Lane Car Park. Old shrubs have been removed and flower beds are being re-planted with evergreen perennials which will give colour all year round. Blocks of colourful phormiums, arching pampas grass and ferns will help give the busy car park a big lift.

The Council has planned more green-fingered makeovers for later in the year. These include:

• Planting of evergreen fan palms and white flowered camellias at the Town Hall
• Planting of pink flowering camellias, ferns, Japanese anemones and perennial geraniums at Stockport Register Office
• New plant containers for Mersey Square. The planters are decorated with brushed steel and natural wood panels and will feature Portuguese laurels, large cordylines and evergreen geraniums.
• Installation of the Council's 2007 winning Tatton Flower Show flower bed on Armoury Island on Greek Street for the duration of the summer.

Norman Hudson, the Council's Service Director for Regeneration and Leisure, said: "The town centre is getting a horticultural makeover and the work will be timed to coincide with the Town Hall Centenary celebrations.  We've pinpointed sites that will get treatment and hope that this extra effort will be enjoyed by residents, shoppers and visitors to the borough over the coming months." 

For more information on Stockport Community Pride visit www.stockport.gov.uk/pride or check out the campaign via your mobile or DigiTV.

Stockport Community Pride is a Council programme supported by the Stockport Express, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Stockport Homes, Stockport Community and Voluntary Services and the Stockport Economic Alliance.

Pictured above: Planting gets underway at Newbridge Lane car park - one of the sites to benefit from the latest spruce up.