Back to its former glory

The new Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Javid Iqbal, reopened the gardens at the Impact Community Church

The Impact Community Church Community Garden is back to its former glory thanks to the sterling efforts of church regulars, the Prince's Trust, Oldham Council's Green Dividend fund, Go and Grow and the Fire service.

The new Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Javid Iqbal, was on hand to officially re-open the Hollinwood community garden, just weeks after it was vandalised and a number of sleepers were stolen. 

Pastor Elijah Boswell said: "We link with lots of community partners, working together to have a positive impact on our community.

"We are here to uplift and bless our community.

"We are having to put a fence around the garden to protect it now, but we have renovated the old St James church over the past few years, from it being a shell with no windows and doors, and now it is vibrant church which is full every week.

"We run youth clubs, and we are having a homeless shower put in, and a food bank.

"We also work with senior citizens and families of all ages."