28 January 2020
Police and councillors are hoping to be joined by local residents when they visit the area around James Stuart Gardens for a walkabout on Tuesday 4th February, from midday until 2pm. Green councillors have organised the walkabout to create an opportunity for the community to come together to develop practical solutions to problems associated with drug-taking and anti-social behaviour in the neighbourhood.
Building on the community effort which has transformed nearby Old Library Wood from a problematic site of drug-taking and prostitution, Green councillors want to see similar improvements around James Stuart Gardens, near Prince of Wales Road.
Ben Price, Green Party city councillor for Thorpe Hamlet ward, said:
“James Stuart Gardens is the perfect place for a community gardening project where young and old can work together, getting to know each other more and feeling safer and more connected to the place where they live. I’ve contacted the council, the local police and the new Charles Darwin School, which would benefit from more outdoor space. I know the school is keen to make the most of this opportunity to enhance their children’s educational experience.”
Recent planning permission granted to St Martin’s Housing Trust will enable temporary accommodation for homeless people to be created in Recorder Road, near to the James Stuart Gardens. Green councillors hope that St Martin’s, as well as other local charities and people living in nearby residential homes will support a community garden project.
Councillor Price added:
“I’m very excited about the potential of this under-used site. It would be great to see the park reimagined, with raised beds for people with with disability and mobility issues, a proper outdoor classroom area, ornamental and practical food production beds and a wild nature area.”
