Community to create farm and gardens from disused field

The space in Brimscombe, near Stroud, would be used as a play area, gardening areas, a biodiversity zone and for wildlife conservation

A community group is hoping to turn a disused field into a farm and gardens for public use.

The former allotment space behind the Queens Court flats in Brimscombe, near Stroud, would be used as a play area, gardening spaces, a biodiversity zone and for wildlife conservation.

The Charlea Community Gardens CIC needs £12,000 to cover costs of machinery, materials and surveyors.

The group has secured some capital funding from Brimscombe and Thrupp Parish Council and Gloucestershire County Council.

If they hit their fundraising target, AVIVA's Community Fund will double the total with matched funding.

The group's director said the community has fought off several applications to develop the site

Charlie Bignell, the community interest company's director, told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "Over time this field fell into disuse.

"The community were particularly unhappy about this and fought off a number of planning applications before the Charlea Community Gardens CIC came together and secured some capital funding.

"We now need to deliver on our vision for a community garden.

"The idea is that children can run around within the sight of their parents and have a good time in a safe environment in the middle of nature."

The work will expand on that done on the existing site of the Charlea Community Gardens.

The Brimscombe community has raised just over £3,000 so far but continues its efforts.