A partnership between Bradford Council and Keighley Town Council is sowing the seeds of success on the streets of the town.
The People’s Planters project is also a collaboration with horticultural social enterprise Bradford Works and aims to nurture local resident’s green-fingers by encouraging them to adopt and look after their existing local street planter, filling it with flowers, shrubs or fruit, veg and herbs of their choosing.
The project was launched last week in the Lawkholme area of Keighley with horticultural students from Shipley College helping to prepare the planters and representatives from the partnership engaging with local residents to encourage them to be a part of the project.
The partnership is looking for local residents who would like to adopt a planter in their area and fill it with flowers, vegetables, herbs or shrubs or their choosing.
The partnership is funded by both Bradford Council and Keighley Town Council and will provide plants, seeds, and the loan of gardening tools, as well as gardening advice and tips for those new to gardening.
Noreen Akhtar, Assistant Director Neighbourhoods and Customer Service at Bradford Council said: “Encourage people take on their local planter is a fantastic idea. Gardening in this way encourages people to get to know their neighbours and cultivates a sense of community. Learning new skills and growing healthy fruit, veg, and herbs can be great exercise and can help to break down barriers and reduce social isolation, as well as nurturing a sense of pride in the local area.”
A spokesperson from Keighley Town Council, said: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Bradford Council and Shipley College in launching the ‘People’s Planters’ community development project. This initiative will provide the residents of Keighley with the necessary tools, education, and equipment to plant up many more planters across the Parish. The project aligns with our Town Plan and Climate Change Action Plan objectives and promotes civic pride, public participation, and addresses climate change issues. We hope to encourage local people to participate in this incredible community project.”
