GREEN fingered enthusiasts of a special needs school in Garston have joined forces with members of a Watford youth voluntary group for a three-week environmental project designed to regenerate and restore a local allotment site.

The school hopes to be able to use the regenerated site in future studies.

Pupils in years 9, 10 and 11 of Garston Manor school in Horseshoe Lane, Garston, have teamed up with volunteers of The Prince's Trust a government-funded organisation which provides structured training and life-long skills to young people between the ages of 16 and 25.

It aims to help people of all different abilities, circumstances and backgrounds.

They plan to regenerate an old and overgrown allotment site it currently rents from Watford Council, off Horseshoe Lane, Garston.

Members of the Prince's Trust Christine Anson,17, Joanna Wilson, 16, Emma Yelland, 17, Graham Jarvie, 18, Kevin Quinn, 18, and Emerlla Krasniqi, 17 met with pupils at the allotment for initial foundation work last week in which they cleared a third of the site.

As well as cultivating the land for future environmental studies, members of The Prince's Trust plan to lay a concrete pathway to give less able pupils safer access to the site.

They also plan to install a small seating area where children in younger years can sit and be taught.

In order to achieve this, The Prince's Trust is currently appealing for tools, materials and resources from any businesses, companies and organizations within the local area that are keen to help.

Acting marketing officer for the voluntary team, Christine Anson, said: "The site was completely overgrown when we first visited it.

"In just one week we have already started to make a considerable difference.

"When complete, this site will be of huge benefit to all the children at the school.

"It would therefore be great to receive as much support and help with this project as is possible."

To make a donation or assist the team with this project, telephone 01923 353609.

June 29, 2001 13:09