A COMMUNITY garden scheme on Canvey will get underway, after councillors threw their support behind the project.

Plans for a community garden scheme at the Gun Site, off Furtherwick Road, were discussed by councillors at a Castle Point cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

And although minor concerns were raised over security of the site, unanimous support was given to the projects which will create a space for therapeutic gardening and positive activities for adults with a range of mental health problems.

The scheme follows a hugely successful project in Thundersley to create a community garden.

During the meeting, Paul Varker, said: “I think it is a very, very worthwhile venture and it has proved very successful at the Thundersley site.

“Anything that can be done to promote wellbeing in our community has got to be a good thing.”

The council is working alongside Trust Links and Canvey Island Big Local to provide the space, which will become a place for therapeutic gardening and training for those with dementia, learning disabilities and students with special needs – as well as being open to members of the public.

The scheme, branded Growing Together Canvey, hopes to mimic a community garden in Thundersley, which has been awarded the Green Flag Community Award.

Councillor Brian Wood said: “I think this is a good idea. The Gunny, as they call it, has always been a play area for kids, and unfortunately has had some trouble in the evening.

“It is quite dark, it is an open field, and it has two ways in and out. My only concern about this is there should be security for the building on the site, and the fact that it should be lit after hours.

“It needs a good fence and CCTV, lets not wait for damage to be done then fit CCTV. “

The same meeting also saw a rent reduction of one per cent for all social rent dwellings agreed, as well as a one per cent reduction for all affordable homes, and a one per cent rent increase for all council owned garages.

While a decision on the proposed council tax increase will be taken at a special meeting next Wednesday.