The Comet Herfortshire, UK www.thecomet.net/content/comet/news/story.aspx?brand=CMTOnline&category=News&tBrand=herts24&tCategory=newscomnew&itemid=WEED18%20Jan%202007%2012%3A34%3A48%3A963
18 January 2007 Green light - Community project gets go-ahead PLANNING permission has been granted for a piece of land to be transformed into an area filled with amenities for the community. Land at the centre of the Grange estate in Letchworth will be given an overhaul by Groundwork Hertfordshire, an environmental regeneration charity. After consultation with residents about what they want to see on their estate, the final designs include play areas for toddlers and children, a basketball and football area and a youth shelter for young people. The project will also include a large central community garden with seating and lighting, a hedge boundary for the local sheltered accommodation unit and green spaces for the local community to enjoy. Geoff Bunce, senior community project officer at Groundwork Hertfordshire, said: "It is great to receive planning permission for this project. Once the work is complete, the centre of the estate will look very different and have much greater value for the local community. Groundwork Hertfordshire is very pleased to be a part of that transformation." The charity is working in partnership with North Hertfordshire District Council and North Hertfordshire Homes. The project has also received funding from Letchworth Garden City Town Council, as well as lottery funding. Cllr Michael Paterson, chairman of Letchworth area committee of NHDC, said: "This exciting project is part of the council's commitment to providing high quality and safe facilities for residents of all ages. It also shows the benefit of partnership working." Now the green light has officially been given, work is due to start in February.
