Stafford and Rural Homes

July 16, 2008

Stafford’s Silkmore estate is in full bloom following a big community planting event on 9th July 2008.

Children from Silkmore Primary School joined local residents, community police officers, students from Stafford Community College and staff from Stafford and Rural Homes to bring about the transformation.

Together they planted a total of 9,000 colourful plants in the previously neglected concrete containers that are dotted around the estate.

Wet weather failed to dampen spirits at the event, which was organised by local landlords Stafford and Rural homes.

Sarah Wyke, Neighbourhood Services Manager for Stafford and Rural Homes, who joined in the fun, explained: “We really want to thank everyone who gave their time to help us bring about this transformation, especially Streetscene at Stafford Borough Council who generously donated and delivered the plants.  The existing concrete planters were in dire need of some colour and people are already commenting that the whole area now looks so much nicer.”

She added: “This is just one very visible result of our ongoing commitment to improving life for people around Silkmore, which has had its fair share of problems in the past. Through our partnerships with local schools and colleges, the Reel em In project and our own allotment project for local people, we are helping to tackle some of the problems that have affected the area and turn things around.

“It is really encouraging to see people of all ages coming together like this to help improve their neighbourhood.”