A NEGLECTED space in Colchester city centre is set to be transformed into a vibrant green space - and residents are now being asked to help complete the job.

Colchester BID is set to work alongside Beth Chatto Gardens to create a unique and sustainable green space in place of an abandoned site between Firstsite and Curzon.

As part of Operation Clean Colchester, work to clear up the plot - known as the Painters Yard - started in the summer in preparation for the launch of the project. 

Volunteers are now needed to help tidy up the site before the garden is put in place. 

After the site has been cleaned up, a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant garden will be built by garden experts including structures to encourage biodiversity and wildlife corridors. 

The volunteering event on November 9 starts at 10am and participants are asked to bring their own gardening gloves and sensible footwear. 

Sam Good, CEO of Our Colchester BID, said: "It's wonderful to be working with Beth Chatto Gardens and fellow stakeholders to bring this innovative garden to the city centre.  

“It's going to be a great community asset, bringing people together and promoting Colchester as a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious hub for businesses and visitors."