SUNNY skies shone on Penhill Haven for its first fun day as members of the community came to see the revamped open green space.

The haven is the brainchild of Glynis Hales who is turning the open space into a community green space to grow wildflowers, fruit and vegetables as well as a safe den for the estate’s youngsters.

She said she was delighted with the turn-out of members of the public who were enjoying the haven, the free shop and the African drumming sessions on Friday.

She said: “We thought everyone would enjoy a fun day in the summer before the kids go back to school.

“We are hoping to make this an annual event, as well as smaller events each month.”

Members of Wiltshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue were also in attendance at the event.

Using street art to decorate the buildings backing on to the haven was Ed Russell of Swindon-based The Visual Drop who was creating a mural of boxer Kelvin Young, which he expected would take a total of four hours to complete. He said: “I love my graffiti but not everyone appreciates graffiti, so we are doing characters and getting the community involved, asking them what they wanted to see. They all said they wanted Kelvin Young as he has put Penhill on the map. I have never had to do a boxer before!”

Also at the event were Paul and Liz Walker who held a peaceful protest at the change of use of the open space. Mr Walker said: “As far as we know for the last 30 years up until four years ago when this came into being, generations of children have been able to kick a ball around in here.

“They’re allowed to come in and play, but only according to somebody else’s rules.

I would like to see the kids back in here kicking the ball around. I have nothing against the environmental aspect of the project, but it is too much. We have Sevenfields, the orchard and peoples’ gardens.”

Liz Walker echoed her husband’s concerns, but added: “It is a great day as a fun day, it has been really productive and it is great to be able to talk to people freely.

“What we hope to do is set up a group which can look at the future of this project and nurture and mediate a good solution.”

But 17 year old Danni Remmington welcomed the project.

She said: “This is the beginning for something new, it is something for Penhill to be part of, for the next generation and the next generation and for them to learn something from this.

“This sort of place teaches kids how they can grow their own vegetables, how they can look after the wildlife and also the social skills with other people without being moved on by the police.

There isn’t really anywhere else we can go.”