Cherry tree planted to mark new beginnings for garden site

A tree has been planted on the Cherry Gardens field in a bid to signal new beginnings on the community land.
Locals work hard to restore the field to its former gloryLocals work hard to restore the field to its former glory
Locals work hard to restore the field to its former glory

The Friends of The Cherries Community Garden are continuing in their campaign to save the garden at the side of the Cherry Gardens Hotel, from retail developers, who plan to build a supermarket on the site.

Related: Residents' group reveals 'community garden' vision for Cherry Gardens landThe pub on Wigan Lane is no longer owned by the brewery, but by an offshore development company registered in Jersey.

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The land is in a conservation area and is a green open space with protection orders on the trees.

Calum Fairhurst plants the new cherry tree, a symbol of new beginningsCalum Fairhurst plants the new cherry tree, a symbol of new beginnings
Calum Fairhurst plants the new cherry tree, a symbol of new beginnings

There is also a covenant on the land which states it is to be used as a garden for the people of Wigan and that it cannot be built upon.

However, Wigan Council may dispose of the land to the development company, who plan to turn the garden into a supermarket.

A spokesperson for the Friends said: “The entrance and exit will be situated on a very busy roundabout, causing even more traffic congestion, pollution and putting the lives of local schoolchildren in danger.”

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“We want to work with the council to find a solution, to preserve the garden for the people of Wigan as it states in the covenant, and as it was always intended.

“We aim to do this by using ‘the Deal’ so it can become a community garden we can be proud of’

The community has cleaned up the neglected garden and is now using it once again.

Wigan Athletic fan seven- year-old Calum Fairhurst has helped to plant a new cherry tree, to replace a dead neglected one, a symbol of hope, new life and the promise of growth in the garden.

The council is to make a decision in the next few weeks.

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