A NEGLECTED piece of land in Stretford has been transformed into an attractive community garden.

Members of the Moss Vale Tenants' Association have succeeded in turning the grotspot at the back of their flats into a green haven.

The seal was set on the remarkable success story when the Mayor, John Ackerley, carried out the honours at an opening ceremony.

The tenants association, supported by the council and environmental contractors CTAC, gained £16,000 in grants from a variety of sources to carry out the work on the plot, which is 660 metres in length. It was awarded £5,500 by Manchester Airport Trust, £6,500 by Greening Greater Manchester, £2,500 from North West Water, and got a £1,000 donation from the health authority.

And the plot on Moss Vale Crescent is now a beautiful garden with a play area.

Stephen Leathwaite, the chairman of the tenants' association for the 32 flats, says: "It was an overgrown eyesore and was used as a tipping place. Then the council began to maintain it and we decided to do something about it ourselves. We raised the cash with the cooperation of the council and CTAC.

"Now it has been totally transformed and it shows what the community can do when it pulls together. We are very proud of our lovely garden. We have people here aged from one to 80 years-old and they will all be able to enjoy it.

"The elderly people can sit in the garden and the children can enjoy themselves in the play area."

Geoff Marsh, the council's head of environmental services, says: "Congratulations to the group - it is great when something like this happens.

"We are always more than willing to help with residents getting grants and funding."

Another Grotspot reported this week is Lacy Street, Stretford. The council has promised to attend to it.

Litter problems can be reported to the council on 912 3604. People can also contact Trafford Direct 2000 on 912 2000, which provides information and help on a range of council services.

We want our readers to continue to let us know about problem areas - please WRITE to Grotspots, Stretford and Urmston Messenger, Brindley House, Ashton Lane, Sale M33 6TP; or FAX us on 908 3403. Please give precise and detailed locations and say if you would not want your name included in an article.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.