05 March 2008 13:48 Mediterranean moods – garden revamp made possible by Central Networks

Elderly residents living in sheltered accommodation in Redditch will soon be enjoying their own Mediterranean themed garden, thanks to a £2,500 grant from power company Central Networks.

Work is due to begin this month to revamp the garden at Keats House, which was made possible with a donation from the power distribution company's Safer Environment Fund. 

There are 20 flats in the council-run block of sheltered accommodation and all the residents were consulted on what they wanted for their new garden. Improvements will include block paving the area, removing overgrown shrubs and planting new flowers and grasses.

"The Safer Environment Fund is just one example of our commitment to improve the areas where we operate and help the customers we serve," said Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks.

"We're hoping this project will make the communal gardens a far more pleasant place for residents to sit in during the summer months.

"This project carries on the work we have been undertaking following the issues we had last year. We aim to give excellent customer service and I hope this goes some way to giving something back after the problems we faced in the area."

Central Networks owns and operates the substation in the Headless Cross area of Redditch which suffered two fires last year.

Ward councillor Carole Gandy welcomed the generous donation which she said had allowed the residents of Keats House to be involved with the planning of the garden which should be easy to manage.

Residents were looking forward to relaxing in the sun, she added.

Gavin Boyes, Landscape and Countryside Officer with Redditch Borough Council, said of the project: "The garden will have a more Mediterranean feel. 

"We went to residents with initial ideas and they have been involved with developing these, choosing materials and planting schemes."

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Central Networks brings power to 4.9 million customers across central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
• Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For more information contact:

Andrew Barrow in the Central Networks Press Office on 02476 183 677

or Helen Halls in the Redditch Borough Council Press Office on 01527 534 007.

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