A COMMUNITY looking to create a garden in a York suburb are getting ready for an open event this weekend.

As previously reported by The Press, The Lanes Community Garden is a bid by a group in Clifton to transform a triangle of derelict land at the end of Pembroke Street in to a green oasis for people who live in the surrounding terraced streets, where outside space is at a premium.

A committee of seven people, including ward councillor Danny Myers, and headed by local artist Hatti McKenzie, have joined forces to help fundraise and make their idea become a reality.

The group are holding an open event at 2pm on Saturday (April 13) at the site for people to come along and share their ideas and Hatti is selling some of her own art - trompe l’ceil hanging baskets that can be used to brighten up back yards and windowsills to raise cash for the garden.

York Press:

Hatti said: “I’m hopeful that people from the local area will come out and join us on Saturday to find out more about the project.

“The overwhelming majority of people I have spoken to are in favour of it and excited about it - especially people with young families.

“The land we’re looking at has alley gates at either end and people who join the friends of the garden will be given a code so that only they can have access and take ownership of this space.

“The only access will be to people who live here or have membership.”

The land is believed to be council owned and the group estimate it could take about £10,000 to clear it of concrete and rubble and build raised beds and planters to be filled with dwarf fruit trees and other plants.

For information email hatti.mckenzie@gmail.com or call 07740188514 or go to www.facebook.com/groups/Thelanescommunitygarden