A resourceful group of Devizes tenants have brightened up their community by transforming their gardens.

The gardens and communal areas at Sarsen run Belle Vue Road and Colston Road were overgrown and often used as dumping grounds for old fridge-freezers, mattresses and overflowing bin liners.

Paul Mitchell, 48, has lived in Belle Vue Road for two years and was among the residents who got together to transform the area.

He said: “When I first moved in it was all overgrown, there were nettles the height of the ground floor windows and moss on the washing lines. The moss was on the concrete as well and people would slip while putting their washing out. It was a hazard.

“I didn’t used to do much gardening but when I saw that our gardens needed a bit of care, I decided to give it a go.

“We now have vegetables, herbs and lovely window boxes. I’m delighted.”

Garry Kearley, Sarsen’s neighbourhood caretaker, said: “It’s great to see residents helping make the neighbourhood look more attractive. It’s brought people together.

“Keeping the communal areas clean and litter-free also makes it safer for children, which is important just before the summer holidays start.”