The area near a local primary school has been transformed, thanks to the vision of its pupils.
Students from Thomas Arnold Primary School were unhappy with how some areas around their school looked and wanted to make a change by creating a community garden.
The children constantly talked about how it was upsetting to see people continuously dropping litter and making their school grounds look messy, so they decided to do something about it.
To kick start their initiative, the children contacted their local MP, Jon Cruddas, who told them about a part-council funded scheme, called Everyone Everyday, that helps residents create projects that benefit their local community.
Since making contact, the school and Everyone Everyday have transformed the messy area into a community garden space and last month pupils, staff, local residents and His Worshipful the Mayor, Peter Chand came together to dig a path, flowerbeds and plant over 20 willow trees to create the Thomas Arnold Open Corner.
Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement said: “To see our young people make a difference to their local community is heart-warming, and something I am proud of.
“I am looking forward to seeing the new community garden and hearing about other plans that the pupils have. Well done to everyone at the school.”
Monica Gallagher, Headteacher at Thomas Arnold Primary School, said: “I am extremely proud of the hard work that pupils and staff have shown in improving and developing our local area.
“The area has been completely redesigned by the children, during a session with a landscape gardener, so every child in our school has played an active part in creating the Thomas Arnold Open Corner.”
If you would like to help keep your local community clean, get involved in the council’s new community clean ups, which bring together residents, staffs and councillors to clear up areas on dedicated days. The first litter pick is on Friday 20 March from 9.45am to 11am, at Whiting Avenue, Barking. If you would like to support:
Also, if you feel like getting together with your neighbours you can also run your own local litter picking event – the council will lend litter pickers, gloves and waste bags.