Community occupation scheme a growing success

Pupils from Rushcroft primary school check out a hedgehog box

The latest project in Oldham Council’s community occupation initiative has opened its doors to the public.

Crompton Garden Centre has taken under-used council land and transformed it into a garden centre run by people with learning disabilities through the council-supported employment scheme.

The land was taken over 18 months ago and during this time the site has been transformed with two fully functional polytunnels, improved paths, a 20-tree orchard and a cabin for staff.

Councillor Brian Lord, cabinet member for adult services and health, said: “This is an opportunity to show local people what fantastic progress the community occupation team has made on this site and to invite them to come along to help out and volunteer.

“Crompton Garden Centre is one of 12 successful sites across the borough that are extremely popular for both service users and also local residents.

“All sites are going from strength to strength, with bee colonies thriving in Failsworth and pigs settling in at Chadderton Hall Park!”

“Getting people with learning disabilities out and into the community doing real work is of great value and I look forward to more sites blooming across the borough.”