THE Secret Gardens of Springfields community project has scooped a national award for its impact on the area.

The project, headed up by Great Places customers, won the ‘Better Communities’ Community Impact Award from the National Institute of Housing after turning a disused piece of land into a public garden in just seven weeks.

The group of residents raised £13,000 to facilitate the work, using local companies where possible and welcoming more than 100 people to the ribbon-cutting.

Samantha Howard, who headed up the project group, said: “To win this award feels absolutely amazing. I never thought we would get so much recognition for what we have created.

“The support we have received – from Great Places who supported our idea, to everyone who voted for us – has been incredible. It really shows what can be achieved when a neighbourhood bands together.

“Our garden is a wonderful safe place for everyone to enjoy. It has definitely got the community together, providing much-needed activities for children over the holidays, activities for adults, and a tranquil setting for the community to get together.”

The group also won a Great Places Community Star Award back in April, an ‘outstanding’ certificate at the North West in Bloom awards in November, and received a commendation from MP Esther McVey who visited the garden over the summer.