HARD-working volunteers on a mission to “make Westcliff a better place” by creating “pocket parks” and clearing up streets are appealing for more residents to come forward and help.
Grassroots Westcliff started a year ago with just 12 members, but now boasts more than 240 residents among its ranks.
The community group has delivered numerous successful projects, including creating “pocket parks”, organising rubbish clean-ups, and polishing up areas like Victory Path.
Councillor Meg Davidson, cabinet member for environment at Southend Council, said: “It’s great to hear that our residents are coming together to help further improve the outdoor spaces where they live.
“It really does highlight the fabulous community spirit in Westcliff. I wish them every success with all their future projects.”
Pocket parks aim to be “small areas of public green space” where people can relax, exercise, socialise and play.
How you can join
Currently, one in 100 of Westcliff’s residents are members of Grassroots Westcliff.
However, the group aims to recruit more, hoping to involve one in 20 residents living in the area.
Newcomer Ian Brown, who recently moved to Westcliff and works as Southend Council’s parks service manager, is one of the active volunteers.
He contributes his spare time to different community initiatives.
Ian said: “I’ve been involved with Grassroots Westcliff for six months and I’ve been so impressed by the community spirit amongst the group who like me are passionate about making the most of our outdoor spaces.
“Recently I volunteered over two weekends on a Saturday to help re-plant the ‘pocket park’ outside the Trading Room pub.
“The council donated the plants from the parks nursery and along with a dozen or so Grassroots Westcliff members we completely transformed a drab and unused outdoor space into a beautiful pocket park with shrubs and perennial plants that will flower all year round.”
The group encourages residents of Westcliff to participate, in a bid to foster a stronger sense of community cohesion and spirit.
Visit facebook.com/people/Grassroots-Westcliff/100091805679801.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel