by Gerry Warren

gwarren@thekmgroup.co.uk

One of the city’s worst eyesores has been transformed into an attractive garden area following a £32,000 make-over.

The project focused on the previous dismal corner next to the Odeon cinema and involved the city council, contractors Serco, the Oaten Hill and District Society, the cinema and other businesses.

Now the weeds, cracked paving and concrete pipes have been replaced with raised timber plant beds, new paths and a wall trellis.

A plaque acknowledging the transformation of the area, now known at St George’s Garden, has been put up and on Friday representatives of those responsible for the work gathered for its official opening.

Council leader John Gilbey said it had been a wonderful community initiative and thanked the many people and organisations involved in the scheme.

To further enhance the area, the Odeon cinema has agreed to improve lighting along its walls while the new garden will be maintained by members of the Oaten Hill and District Society.