A COMMUNITY group held a clean up day as part of a scheme to improve the town.

Westborough Community Association joined together on Saturday June 16 to make Westcliff Library garden sparkle.

The group is entering Make Southend Sparkle 2018 competition in the category of best community area that has public access within the library.

A group spokesman said not many residents know about the garden, or that it is accessible 52 weeks year, weather permitting.

The spokesman said: "Westborough Community Association has been working on the garden since 2013, and, in fact since April has cleared over 90 bags of garden waste, with the assistance and support of Julie Farrow, a resident of the area. Veolia has supported us by collecting the bags, free of charge."

The community association had donations of plants and vouchers for stores from residents, group members and our Westborough councillors including Charles Willis, Kevin Robinson, Anne Jones.

The group spokesman said: "Overall, the purpose of WCA sparkling the garden is to enhance the area for library users, residents including children, adults and wildlife. To make the area pleasant and attractive and to encourage all to read books and papers, as well as somewhere quiet and calm to eat their lunch and finally get the area ready for our annual Summer Tea Party on Saturday July 28 from 2pm until 4pm.

"The next stage is to set up a WCA garden group, where a team of volunteers will maintain the garden by watering and developing a woodland area and a raised bed area to grow natural food in."