Eviction notice for man who created 'secret garden'

Jim Gardner said the green space was an "amazing, quiet place to sit and escape"

A man who spent eight years creating a public garden on borrowed land has said he is "so hurt" by a plan to evict him.

Jim Gardner was given informal permission to develop the so-called Secret Garden, with exotic plants and artwork, along a public footpath in Poole, Dorset.

However, the landowner, Bournemouth & Poole College, said it had become "overgrown and untended" and it saw "no significant use by anyone".

Councillor Kate Salmon, a Green Party member, said the "award-winning" garden was "prized by most local residents" and had helped Mr Gardner with his anxiety and depression.

In a Facebook post, she said: "Jim's story and personal journey are tied to the garden, which has become a much-loved community asset.

"I've reached out to the college to find a better way forward, as I know many in the community don't want to see this gone forever."

The college said unsafe structures had been installed above the path

Mr Gardner said the garden, between Danecourt Road and North Road, was "an amazing, quiet place to sit and escape".

He said: "I met an amazing amount of people... I heard good news, sad news and was always there for people to talk to.

"I used to love seeing the photography students and art students using the garden for projects.

"It's like I'm a criminal. All I've done is smarten up a bit of land that people didn't feel safe walking."

The college said it needed to spend £1,500 to remove invasive bamboo that was threatening to spread into neighbouring properties.

It said it also had concerns over safety, items being nailed to protected trees, the creation of marsh areas and ponds, reports of rat infestation and overgrowth.

It said the water supply was turned off in May due to excessive use but was later temporarily reinstated at Mr Gardner's request.

In a statement, it added: "While we recognise the time and care that has gone into this space over the years, the combination of safety and environmental risks, and complaints received, means the informal arrangement can no longer continue."

It has given Mr Gardner until 13 February to vacate the land.