Growing Green in Hartlepool

Children in Hartlepool will be going green and eating their greens this year after winning a grant from Northern Green Networks.

The Manor Residents Group has been awarded £1,200 to help transform a previously neglected allotment area into a community garden where youngsters from the area will grow their own fruit and vegetables.

The grant has been awarded through the Northern Green Networks programme, an environmental scheme run by Northern Gas Networks, the region’s gas pipeline company. This year, more than £60,000 has been donated to 23 schools and community groups across the region.

Angie Wilcox from the Residents Association explained: “When we took over the allotment last year it had been badly neglected and was completely overgrown. Volunteers have spent the last six months clearing it and getting it ready for planting.

“The children who have been helping us are now really excited about getting their hands dirty planting the vegetables, and of course they can’t wait to see things start growing. The Northern Green Networks grant means that we can really make the area special as we can create an outdoor classroom that we hope all members of our community will come along to enjoy.”

Presenting the award, Dave Hutchison from Northern Gas Networks added: “Northern Green Networks aims to support community groups that are going the extra mile to really make a difference to their area – and this is especially true of Manor Residents Association. They’ve already worked incredibly hard to make this project a success and we are delighted to support them. “