Greener Streets Campaign: so long to the rubbish, hello to flowers and foliage

‘In 2004, the council-managed flowerbeds on our estate were unkempt
and full of rubbish, so our late neighbour, Joan Miles, decided to do something about it,' says Mo (below, far left).

‘She started with a leaflet drop asking the neighbours to come to a meeting and 99 per cent of the street turned up. We discussed what we each wanted and how much we could contribute, then Joan approached the council asking for help.

‘Our timing couldn't have been better as Crawley council had recently set up a campaign to help residents just like us. It agreed to provide us with tools and materials to help with the big clear up if we provided the labour.

‘We cleared an amazing 3.7 tonnes of rubbish, had new street bins installed and planted the beds with lavender and other drought-resistant plants. It now looks fantastic and we've been determined to keep it that way.

‘We used to have a problem with youths hanging around, but since we've become more active neighbours, they've just disappeared; it's great. One of our proudest moments came when we won an Outstanding Achievement award from the RHS Britain in Bloom 2009. Sadly, Joan isn't here to enjoy it, but I know she'd be thrilled to think that because of her, we now have a closer-knit community that feels more like a village than a suburban estate.'

For more info on community gardening, visit rhs.org.uk/britaininbloom