A neglected area of land on the corner of Westbourne Avenue and Frank Webb Avenue in Crewe has been transformed into a much-improved community space, thanks to the efforts of local residents, businesses, organisations and a team from Network Rail.

The project was started by Crewe St Barnabas Councillor, James Pratt, after residents raised concerns with him about the condition of the area.

Having seen the state of the site, James began looking at what could be done to improve it and started bringing together local residents, organisations and businesses to help turn the space around.

Councillor Pratt recently joined local residents Doreen and Glyn, along with the Network Rail team led by Taylor, for a full day of work at the site.

Despite the hot weather, the Network Rail team got stuck in, clearing the ground, remaking pathways, reinstalling a bench, litter picking and giving the whole area a much-needed tidy-up.

Cllr Pratt told Nub News: "I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone from Network Rail who gave up their time to come along and help. They worked incredibly hard throughout the day, especially in the heat, and the difference they have made is fantastic.

"There is still a little more work to do, but it is really starting to look like a proper community space."

The Crewe project began after residents raised concerns with Cllr Pratt about the condition of the area while he was regularly out litter picking around the ward and working alongside the St Barnabas litter picking group.

The land is not owned by Cheshire East Council, but Cllr Pratt was determined this should not mean the area was simply left to become overgrown.

At one stage, parts of the site were so overgrown that it was difficult to even get into the area to litter pick.

The Crewe St Barnabas councillor began working with Guinness and its contractor Idverde, who helped cut back some of the larger trees and remove dead wood, making a significant difference and allowing work on the project to progress.

Since then, the project has grown with support from a number of different people and organisations.

A bench, litter bin and bat and bird boxes have been donated by Idverde, while children from Underwood West Academy have also played their part by painting the bat and bird boxes.

Earlier this summer, the children visited the site and were able to see the boxes they had painted being installed high up in the trees.

The bench was unfortunately damaged a few weeks ago, but Cllr Pratt was able to repair it and the Network Rail team have now reinstalled it as part of their work.

Cllr Pratt added: "It is great to see so many different people getting involved in this project. What started with residents simply saying that something needed to be done here is gradually turning into a much-improved space for the local community.

"Thank you to everyone who has played a part so far, particularly the Network Rail team, Kenny, Sophia and Bridget from Guinness, local residents Doreen and Glyn, and the children and staff at Underwood West Academy.

"There is still a little more to do, but we are getting there."

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