A COMMUNITY Garden is still going strong after it was created seven years ago.

The run down patch of land was taken over by Padgate resident John Stubbings who wanted to make it look presentable to passers-by. 

Since then, John has cared for the Padgate Community Garden, off Padgate Lane, with help from various other volunteers.

Warrington Guardian: The garden was overgrown before the volunteers took overThe garden was overgrown before the volunteers took over

John believes the garden has a positive impact on the community. 

He said: ''When people are passing they will give us a thumbs up or say that we're doing a grand job, so we know that it's appreciated in the community.''

Mike Bromwich, a volunteer from Stockton Heath, said: ''People always say hello to you and the lady in one of the houses across always comes out with a cup of tea every time we come here, and hopefully today as well!''

The volunteers are mainly from Padgate but some come from Stockton Heath.

They care for the garden in their once a month 'working parties' through rain or shine.

The working parties are the second Saturday of every month from 9am to 12pm and consist of planting of bulbs, weeding, trimming the shrubs, cutting the grass, and general upkeeping.

Warrington Guardian: The volunteers maintain the garden in their monthly working partiesThe volunteers maintain the garden in their monthly working parties

Padgate Community Garden is currently preparing for the planting of 600 flowers to brighten up the community for summer.

Anyone is welcome to join the working parties.

John said: ''They can come for five minutes or the full three hours.

''If they pull one weed out and they've had enough - that's one less weed for us.''

To find out more you can visit the garden's Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/padgatecommunitygarden/