Walton Community Garden was re-opened officially by Lisa Townsend, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, on Tuesday 20 August. St Johns residents, councillors from Walton wards and local community groups attended.
Walton was one of three Surrey towns to be allocated a combined total of almost £1million last year as part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, which was secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Elmbridge Borough Council and other key partners. Redhill and Guildford also benefitted from the grant.
In Walton town centre and Walton North, the funding is being used to tackle anti-social behaviour in public spaces after drugs, vandalism and littering were identified as particular concerns for residents. Additional CCTV has been installed in the town, and a targeted youth outreach programme is under way.
The fund has also paid for improvements to the community garden, which now features new flowerbeds, vegetable patches and a bug hotel to encourage wildlife and support biodiversity in the area.
Councillor Kirsty Hewens, Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Parking and Local Economy on Elmbridge Borough Council said “It has been wonderful to be part of the re-opening celebration and to meet residents that will enjoy this garden. It is important for the local community to have a safe and peaceful space to meet, and this garden will provide that space.”
Surrey County Council and Elmbridge Borough Council provided engaging activities including pebble painting, bracelet making and tennis for St Johns residents to join. The decorated pebbles took pride of place in the community garden for all to admire. St Johns residents also enjoyed complimentary pizza from The Dough Shack.
Local community services including the church, Crimestoppers, Citizens Advice, Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue attended with firefighters giving tours of their fire engine to visitors of all ages.
The Commissioner said: “It was a real joy to join the celebrations at the community garden. The work that has been carried out in Walton-on-Thames so far is a fantastic example of the difference properly-directed funding can make to our communities.”
The community garden will remain open for all residents to pot, water, and grow plants, enabling new skills and providing a safe, secluded space to meet.
Community Garden Location:
Outside Walton Mart,
St Johns Drive
Walton-on-Thames
KT12 3NH