A charity-run Dig Deep allotment project in South Oxhey was officially opened today.

Ascend, based at All Saints' Church in Gosforth Lane, offers courses to help people back into work, including the project at the Crowborough Path allotments.

It acquired the land, belonging to Three Rivers District Council, on a five-year lease last November.

Ten newly qualified students, funded by West Herts College have built bird boxes, planted seeds, tomatoes and peas on the site.

Students Annie Boyce, Russell Axtell, Jamie Newberry, Kenneth Prescott, Cherie Schomberg, Tiffany Chan, Frances McAndrew, Steven Valentine, Steven Shallet and Lee Hall were presented with certificates.

Steven Valentine, 37, from Russell Way, said: “When we first got here there was nothing, I tried to dig into the soil and it bent the fork.

“Now there are potato plants, peas and strawberries, when they're all grown I hope we can have a barbecue here.

“I've hung a hanging basket and bird box outside my house for my daughter, Gracie, who is seven.”

South Oxhey Neighbourhood Sergeant Luke Mitchell said: “The kids used to come down and drink alcohol here, it was a common problem for so long. Now, because it's an active site the problem has gone away.”

Leader of Three Rivers District Council Ann Shaw officially opened the allotment today.

She said: “Anyone can be a gardener, all you need is patience, a little muscle power and a philosophical approach.

“We can all share the wonderful experience of planting a seed and watching it grow and enjoying it in any number of ways.”

A second intake started work on Tuesday, June 8. The charity hopes the scheme will encouraging young people to get active and help the unemployed back into work.

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