Published: Wednesday, 3rd September, 2008 12:30
Walled Garden project has been left on the shelf
By Hamish Hutchinson
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THE future looks uncertain for a multi-million pound project to transform an Alloa walled garden into a thriving community facility.
The Community Orchard Ltd, the leading organisation behind the Walled Garden project, is struggling to find the £5.3 million needed to redevelop the land at Pine Grove.
Since the project took root in 2000 the local community has been anticipating the realisation of ambitious plans at the site also known as the Wimpey Park.
The application, which has already been green lit by councillors, includes the restoration of the glass hothouse and central paths, planting formal gardens, a restaurant, workshops, a meeting hall and an adventure play area.
But earlier this year the project hit a major setback when the Big Lottery Fund rejected an application for £1.7 million to complete the first phase of the three-phase project.
Now the Community Orchard Ltd is focusing its attention on sourcing funds to drive other garden projects in the county.
It says it has taken the walled garden project as far as it can and needs more board directors if the project is to be progressed further.
But residents living in Alloa South and East were left confused on the project’s future after a recent public meeting in the Bowmar Centre, promising a discussion on the subject, turned into a slanging match with disgruntled former project volunteers.
Following that meeting landowners, Clackmannanshire Council, released a statement distancing itself from apparent divisions in the community.
The statement read, “The [Orchard] project was set up some years ago by members of the community and is run by a board of directors – none of whom are councillors.
“While Clackmannanshire Council supports the project board and community efforts to regenerate and use the Orchard site, it has never funded the project. The Council’s only involvement in the Community Orchard Project is as landowner and planning authority.
“The Council encourages the community to resolve its current differences in order to move forward with a united front.”
However, Community Orchard Ltd chairman Duncan Dennett believes there is no division in the community.
He says the company is happy to work with any individuals wishing to source funds for the walled garden or create projects in the ground.
He told the Advertiser, “I believe there are some individuals in the community that are disgruntled but there’s no split in the community.
“We are more than happy to work with any community group or individual who wishes to work in the walled garden. There are also places for directors and we’re very interested in people with fundraising skills who can assist us in getting the £1.7 million.”
He added that throughout the life of the walled garden project, Clackmannanshire Council had been very supportive providing information and advice.
The Community Orchard Project was established in 2000 as part of a NLCB funded project within the Clackmannanshire’s Citizens’ Advice Bureau. It wasn’t until November 2003 that the steering group became a company limited by guarantee – The Community Orchard Ltd – with a charity-based ethos.
Company directors are made up of volunteers and money generated by the company is put into the walled garden project or other ‘green’ projects in the community.
A feasibility study was conducted by outside consultants Blake Stevenson and published in September 2004.
Later, project partners Paragon Housing Association appointed architects Pollock Hammond to produce detailed drawings using funding from Communities Scotland.
Then in 2006, Clackmannanshire Council approved the plans for the walled garden.
As well as working on the walled garden, the Community Orchard Ltd has provided training for community volunteers and worked with partners in holding fayres and events, including ‘Be All You Can Be’ for International Women’s Day, which led to the establishment of the Womens and Girls Group (WAGG).
Anyone wishing to volunteer their services to the projects of the Community Orchard Ltd or become a board director can contact the office on 01259 725440.
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