The Pride in Chelmsford campaign is set to take a boost from the "most exciting" community environmental project ever in the county town.

Hundreds of people in north Chelmsford are being encouraged to do their bit for the first-ever community garden project.

It is aimed at enhancing the lives of local families and combating vandalism by making everyone feel part of the scheme.

A large area of land on the Boarded Barns Estate has been set aside by the William Sutton Housing Trust between Brownings Avenue and Eastern Crescent.

Experts in art sculpture design and gardening have been called in to advise the residents and an outline of the project is to be given by Maldon garden designer Bella D'Arcy on the Doorstep Green Project, at the annual meeting of the residents Busy Bees Association on Wednesday.

Community Development Worker at William Sutton Terri Cochrane said money has been put up for the first phase of the project by the Countryside Agency, Chelmsford Borough the Trust and Social Services but no decisions will taken until a public consultation has taken place and adults in the area offer their time to help design and create the site.

The aim of the scheme for which tens of thousands of pounds are set aside is to bring the community together in a common project of lasting benefit establishing a community identity.

They hope it will strengthen the relationship between the professional workers, learning services and the residents.

People wanting to take part will even be helped to get training - including gardening art techniques, writing, book-keeping and committee skills - and there will be iron, stone, woodwork, carving and mosaic workshops and visits to other gardens for inspiration.

Ms Cochrane added:"This is one of the most exciting projects ever to be undertaken in the borough of Chelmsford. There will be opportunities for everyone to get involved at every level."

Published Tuesday, April 9, 2002