Gorse Hill in Bloom is to spring back this season – thanks to a group of green-fingered volunteers and Facebook.

The last Gorse Hill in Bloom committee disbanded some years ago, but five residents have revived the effort by establishing a new one aimed at transform the neighbourhood.

The group was formed after the idea was pitched on a new community Facebook page for the area, and it caught the imagination of Councillor Rochelle Russell (Lab, Gorse Hill and Pinehurst).

Their first major project in the pipeline is to tidy up and reinstate an old garden at Edinburgh Street Recreation Ground.

Coun Russell said: “Gorse Hill is a community that’s strong, it’s an established community. But it’s a little bit tired and people are concerned at the appearance, and they’re concerned to keep their community together.

“Actually growing things and tidying up, it sounds like a small thing to do, but it has an effect.

“I have seen it work in other towns. It allows people to gather, to know each other, it develops a sense of pride and quite often it grows on the youngster generation.”

The new committee comprises Rochelle and her husband Paul, as well as residents Maureen Ayres, Christine Robinson and Natasha Stroud. It is hoped more people will join and eventually take over the running of the group.

The committee is in the process of applying for grassroots grants and help from various sources, such as local businesses and garden centres. Swindon Council has promised 10 hanging baskets, which will go on the churches, school and other locations.

Help with groundwork has been offered from the council and other sources, and some members of the community have offered spare plants they are growing at home.

At Edinburgh Street Recreation Ground, the group will be combining efforts with the Gorsehill Litterpickers and doing their first bit of tidying and planting on April 12. Bulbs will be planted there in the autumn.

Christine Robinson, 53, of Whitworth Road, said: “I very recently moved in and it would be lovely to have the community come together and create a beautiful area in which to live.

“I think that it lifts spirits, it brings people together.

“It is for everyone to be able to enjoy it and take pride in where they live. It’s not just flowers, it’s getting rid of all the rubbish and things like that.”