PEOPLE living in Ramsey and Parkeston could soon be able to pick their own fresh fruit straight from the tree, if council bosses agree to plans to build a community orchard.

Councillors on Ramsey and Parkeston Parish Council have plans to plant a variety of native fruit trees, including apple, pear and cherry trees, within the boundaries of the new country park in Ramsey village.

Parish councillor Rob Passmore said: “It will encourage children and families to come to the park and actively look after the fruit trees and help to harvest the fruit.

nice “I think the site is perfect for an orchard and it will also encourage more wildlife to the area.

“I am feeling very positive about the whole thing and it will be really nice for the area once the trees have matured.”

The orchard will be placed somewhere within the 54-acre country park constructed by Essex County Council in 2006 and will depend on its agreement.

A meeting to discuss the plans is taking place in January and the parish council is already looking at ways of funding the orchard.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “We are meeting with Ramsey and Parkeston Parish Council in January to discuss proposals for a community orchard.

“We are keen to support the parish on this initiative.”