Community association members were celebrating today after hearing they had won a £4,000 grant to build a garden for disabled, handicapped and elderly people.

East Thurrock Community Association in Stanford-le-Hope has received the National Lottery Awards For All grant in recognition of its involvement in last year's royal golden jubilee celebrations.

Ready to start - Irene Cutting and some of the team who will create a new garden Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

The garden, to be created on part of the car park at the association's site in Corringham Road, will have raised flower beds, perfumed and textured plants and shrubs and a water feature.

There will be easy access and the pathways will be wide enough for wheelchairs and walking frames.

The grant will pay for clearing of the site and all materials. Members will start putting the garden together on Sunday and hope to finish around a month later.

Secretary Irene Cutting said: "We have wanted to do this for some time.

"This is for disabled, handicapped and elderly people, but our members will also use it and any member of the public is welcome."

Published Wednesday, June 18, 2003

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