A husband and wife team determined to stop the "moaning culture" have launched a project to turn Thanet's wastelands into wonderlands.

Rory and Joanne Waitt, from Westbrook, are focusing on small shared spaces across the Isle with plans to transform them by tidying up, clearing and adding plants.

Mr Waitt says he hopes other volunteers will get involved, to help engage people as they emerge out of lockdown.

"Gardening is good for mental health, it's good for the soul," he said.

"The second motivation for doing this is that is there is a dreadful moaning culture - there's not enough bins, too much dogs mess, the council needs to do more.

"Instead of moaning about it, do something, let's celebrate what we have.

"Let's come out of lockdown as slightly different creatures, thinking in a different way.

"If you think about it, if everyone picked up a piece of litter, there wouldn't be enough to go round.

"With this moaning culture, there's always somebody else to blame, someone else should be doing it."

Mr Waitt says even if Thanet District Council does things well, action is needed for "the bits in between".

He and his wife are starting on a small area by Westbrook Gardens where he says there is neglected seating and dangerous steps due to sand and weeds.

"There are hundreds of places in Thanet we'd like to do but we're starting here," he said.

"We want the projects to inspire others - things are looking lovely so people want to do it elsewhere."

Former teacher Mr Waitt is also fundraising £1,000 to help pay for basic equipment, such as a wheelbarrow, pea shingle and shrubs, as well as insurance.

He added: "Success breads success so I plan to grow this initiative into a national network of cells of volunteers coordinated to help restore and maintain the fabric of their civic communities.

"This scheme is not intended to threaten or criticise the efforts of the council.

"However there is litter in the streets, sand encroachment on paths and stairways, and neglected areas which could be beautiful.

"We are not suggesting an alternative service to that already provided but a complimentary service to 'pick up the pieces' that get forgotten and left behind."

To get behind the project click here.

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