A BRIERLEY Hill community garden has been given a new lease of life thanks to a team of engineers.

Over four days, volunteers from Cadent tackled two overgrown paddocks, an inaccessible woodland entrance and a long lost picnic area at Hawbush Community Gardens.

It was a tough challenge, but one the team relished, according to network engineer Phil Lloyd.

He said: "It was hard work, with a big ‘to do’ list over four days but we were driven on by knowing how important it was to so many people.”

Ken Smith, site co-ordinator and Hawbush Gardens trustee, added: “This garden project has great potential to positively change people’s lives.

“We’re amazed at what’s been done by the Cadent team. It’s truly hard to express adequately our gratitude.

"They have helped shape the future of Hawbush, giving old and young alike a chance for better lives."

Mr Smith continued: "We can now make plans for youngsters and families. The after-school gardening club is up and running, we now have a weekly workday with Dudley Youth Offending Service, Atlantic Recovery Centre use the site to help in their rehabilitation programme from drug and alcohol dependency and plans are being developed to help special needs children from a school in Pensnett.

"We are also able to donate fresh fruit and veg to the Black Country Foodbank.”

The make-over project was organised by Business in the Community – The Prince’s Responsible Business Network.

Its members work together to tackle a wide range of issues to help build a fairer society and a more sustainable future.