Payback pays off

OFFENDERS have come up smelling of roses after working to revamp a garden for stroke survivors to enjoy.

The land, off Coldhurst Street, was donated to The Stroke Association by Harold Hinton, the owner of Franklin House Care Home, and was used by the charity’s members to enable them to benefit from horticultural activities.

The plot hadn’t used for a while and had become overgrown. Stroke Association communication support co-ordinator Jill Hooson and long-term support co-ordinator Jonny Schofield wanted to rejuvenate the site and restart the gardening group, so they contacted Oldham’s Community Payback team to enlist its support.

Two teams of seven offenders worked to remove overgrowth and make the plot workable. Community Payback is supervised by Greater Manchester Probation Trust and involves offenders giving something back to the community.

Oldham Council has also supported the project and donated plants. Jill added: “Gardening can make a big difference to the lives of stroke survivors by encouraging gentle exercise and helping to develop new skills and boost confidence.”

The garden will be open for use by any stroke survivors in the Oldham area.

Anyone interested in joining the gardening group, or becoming a volunteer to help the project, can contact Jill or Jonny at The Stroke Association in Oldham on 621 3582 or 3584.