A GROUP of residents got together on Saturday to plant bulbs which they hope will turn Cavendish Green into a focal point of the community next spring.

Around 15 people planted daffodils and tulips, which will come into bloom in the spring, on land next to the newly refurbished Cavendish Square.

Several weeks ago some trees were also planted on the green and, with a walkway through the middle, people will be able to stroll through the plants.

“This is a great example of people coming together and taking ownership of their community,” said Carol Brownlee, a member of the local community group who helped to organise the planting.

“Hopefully, all the flowers should grow in time for spring and it will be a lovely area for people to go to. It is exactly what people want after the gloomy months of winter.

“It was just an empty space before so now it will be much more attractive.”

The workers were helped by council officers and the project was funded using leftover cash from the Cavendish Square refurbishment.

Located just behind the shops, it is hoped that the new-look Cavendish Green will allow residents to take more pride in the area.

Carol said: “It was a good group of us who came down. There were some like me from the local community group, a few residents and some members of the street watch.

“It’s great to see people taking pride in where they live. In this time of financial cuts we need people to step forward if things are going to be done.

“It was nice to see everyone coming together and we have to thank the local Co-op store who brought out refreshments for us all.”

The regeneration of Cavendish Square, which saw more than 170 new homes being built, a new supermarket and an expansion for the library, began in 2006.

Areas such as Cavendish Green were set aside as community space but it was several years before any plans were put together.

It was initially going to be used as a play area but instead £200,000 was used to transform it into a community garden and with the flowers and trees now planted, residents should finally be able to see it in all its glory early next year.