THE transformation of a disused piece of land into a community garden helped Witney win a silver gilt award at the Britain in Bloom awards.

The Burwell Community Wildlife Garden project was praised by judges at the Thames and Chilterns regional awards as Witney was recognised in the large town category. Residents overhauled the strip of land at the end of a cul-de-sac in Burwell Drive after tiring of its poor condition.

Retired secretary Lyn Jones, who won a community award from Witney Town Council for her efforts, said: “It was brilliant to get the silver gilt after getting the silver award last year.

“It was worthwhile to make that step up and hopefully next year we will get the gold.”

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Mrs Jones, who has lived in the road for 43 years, said she grew tired of looking at the strip of land, which was used as a dumping ground.

She helped set up the project and cleared the area before planting raised flower beds, fruit and vegetables, and trees.

The group also built a pond using a tractor and a bird feeder.

Mrs Jones said: “The judges were pleased that we were encouraging the wildlife to come back because we’ve also got a hedgehog house.”

She added: “They said we had done incredibly well for the short time and space we’ve had.”

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