Councillor Iris Andersen presents the cheque to the Andover Crisis Centre
Council Grant helps provide garden area for vulnerable families.
Families using the Andover Crisis and Support Centre will now be able to enjoy the garden all year round thanks to support from Test Valley Borough Council.
A £1,000 Councillor Community Grant helped to get artificial turf laid at the Centre in New Street, with the Aster Group building the retaining wall and many organisations and individuals contributing towards the £4,000 total required.
St. Mary’s Ward member, Councillor Iris Andersen presented the Centre Manager, Ms Yvonne Bradbury with the cheque at a special “unveiling “ event on Tuesday 15 August
Cllr Andersen said: “I am delighted we are able to help the Centre with this grant as they do such wonderful work in our community. The addition of this twelve month outside play area means that not only can vulnerable families develop their social skills by being able to be outdoors all year round, but children can also play there in any weather without the garden turning into a mudbath.”
Ms Yvonne Bradbury, Manager of the ACSC said: “We accommodate over 70 families a year and with the generous support of local organisations and individuals an area of the garden which was previously unusable has been transformed by the installation of an artificial lawn. This has provided a much needed playing area for the children.
“The artificial grass will also improve safety and reduce the impact of injuries as well as being nice to look at with no mud to tread into the building!”