A COMMUNITY garden project is in crisis as volunteers are fed up with produce getting pinched and dogs fouling in their vegetable beds.

Created on wasteland formerly frequented by drug users, the organic market garden, in Magnolia Drive, was only recently hailed a success story for Colchester’s Greenstead estate.

Now, although housing chiefs insist they will press on with the three-year-old scheme, residents who spend hours tending it each week are adamant they want to pull out.

They are fed up after plants were trampled, fruit and veg was pilfered and the ground was covered in dog mess.

Previously showcased with tours for all 60 Colchester councillors as a shining example of community co-operation, the garden – created behind a block of flats – is already looking neglected.

The seeds of discontent have been growing for months, and key player, Terry Marshall, has found himself arrested and bailed by police, for allegedly shouting abuse at someone he suspected of letting their dog foul the area.

Mr Marshall, who is 70 tomorrow, said he would start up the garden again if Colchester Borough Homes agreed to let flats to one or two more tenants who would be willing to help tend it.

He said: “It is a real shame, but what is the point of working hard on it if the stuff you grow gets nicked or trampled on?

“Our local councillors Tim and Julie Young have been great, but I just don’t feel we’ve had the support from the Colchester Borough Homes tenancy allocation team.”

Started with funding from Colchester Borough Homes, the award-winning garden project saw helpers get a free share of food, with the surplus sold at a small charge to other residents.

Colchester Borough Homes’ director of housing, Karen Loweman, said: “Terry has made a big contribution to the garden over the years. We would urge him and the other residents to work with us to resolve the issues.

“It is important to recognise that the garden is for all residents. We are holding a series of meetings with residents to establish a positive way forward.”