Ann defies garden vandals

Ann Smith

A PENSIONER who spent her own time and money creating a community flower bed, only to see it destroyed by vandals, says she is “overwhelmed” after being nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award.

Ann Smith (66) hit the headlines earlier this year after she spent weeks tidying up her community, in Buttermere Road, when huge amounts of waste and rubbish were dumped near by.

However, within weeks of the clean-up being complete and as the new plants began to flower, all paid for by Ann’s own pension, vandals ripped the garden to shreds, with flowers left strewn across the path. But Ann was determined that she wouldn’t be beaten, replanting the area which is now in full bloom and delighting local residents.

Ann, who lives with her husband Kevin in Greenacres, said: “I cannot believe that I’ve been nominated. I’m overwhelmed and I can’t wait to tell my family.

“Everyone had just been saying to me how nice the area was so I was devastated when I found out it had been vandalised.

“I didn’t expect to be nominated for an award when I started the garden as I just think everyone should have pride in their community and do their bit.”

Ann, who was nominated anonymously, also won praise from council leader Jim McMahon, who sent her a letter thanking her for her efforts and a gift card to B&Q to help fund the garden.