Scouts’ colourful transformation

Transformed . . . Uppermill Scouts worked hard to spruce up scrub land on Smithy Lane

A PIECE of scrub land in Uppermill, which used to be covered with litter, now has the making of a blooming beauty spot thanks to the enthusiasm of a local scout group.

Keen youngsters from 20th Oldham Uppermill Methodist group have been getting their hands dirty by planting the space on Smithy Lane with beautiful summer flowers.

With a little help from Oldham Council, which donated bedding plants, and a £100 donation from the Saddleworth Parish Council, the green-fingered youngsters have worked hard to give something back to the community and gain their environment badges.

The group began last year by clearing rubbish from the land and marking out flower beds before planting 300 bulbs that began flowering this spring.

Now sweet-smelling roses, honeysuckles and fuchsias fill the space.

Assistant scout leader Eddie Butterworth said: “Before it was appalling, there was bottles and rubbish everywhere. It’s an ongoing project for us and the locals are absolutely over the moon with the work done.”