WORK on an open green space has now reached completion after months of hard work at the Park South site.

Since April the green space behind Cavendish Square – known as Cavendish Green – has been transformed from a muddy construction site into a blossoming community orchard in a project led by the local community.

Swindon Council’s Ranger Team has teamed up with the East Locality Team, Oak Tree Primary School and a team of residents to develop the concept, which is now complete with an orchard of plum trees, play facilities, outdoor art and a seated area for relaxation.

Carol Brownlee, who lives in the area, said it might take time but it is hoped that youngsters in the area will eventually take ownership of the green areas in their community but that she hoped it would continue to be a positive addition to the square.

She said: “I think it’s really much better than what it was before and I think people will really enjoy visiting it.

“There’s a little copse of fruit trees and a seated area in the middle, a play park and lots of artwork too.

“There is seating there as well so people can go and relax there.”

Coun Fay Howard (Lab, Liden, Eldene and Park South) was also pleased with the results.

She said: “I think it’s fantastic because so many people from the community have been involved with it and that’s what it is all about.

“There was a green space there and we asked what the community wanted and they’ve been working towards that and it’s now been completed.

“It’s been a truly community led project where everyone got involved, from the school to the residents themselves and the Nepalese community who helped to plant the trees.”

When construction started at the site back in April, localities facilitator Tracy Scott, who helped get the project off the ground, said: “It used to just be a piece of land and we asked people to find out what they wanted to do with it, and everything that will be here is a result of that.”