A local funeral home had just the thicket to help restore the gardens of a much-loved community centre in Biddulph.

The Biddulph Youth and Community Zone, on Church Road, was forced to close in May following an arson attack which devastated volunteers and the local community. Following an online fundraising appeal launched by members of the public, which raised a total of £7,233, work has now begun to rebuild the centre.

Co-ordinated by Co-op Funeralcare's Congleton branch, on West Street, alongside Co-op Property, responsible for managing and overseeing over 6,000 buildings across the UK and Grounds Maintenance Contractor, Glendale Services, the centre has been reconstructed and the community gardens restored and improved for local people to enjoy. 

The Biddulph Youth and Community Zone works in partnership with organisations to deliver quality support services to raise the aspirations of the community, through learning new skills and gaining confidence and therefore tackle aspiration and exclusion in an area of deprivation and disadvantage.

Lorraine Revill, Funeral Director at Co-op Congleton Funeralcare and Sharon from Biddulph Youth and Community Zone

The garden now boasts sensory plants and an interactive seed area, where passers-by can plant their own seeds when visiting. Children are encouraged to take an active interest in the outdoors and wildlife with 'Grow your Own Kits', flower chalkboards, a music wall and bug houses installed to prompt exploration around the garden. There are also plenty of benches for adults to relax as well as a 'chatty shelter' where children can socialise and learn more about gardening and wildlife.

The team at Co-op Congleton Funeralcare has also worked hard to ensure that the centre is fully accessible, with raised flower beds and wheelchair friendly pathways created to ensure everyone in the community is able to benefit from the outdoor space. 

Funeral director at Co-op Congleton Funeralcare, Lorraine Revill, said: "We're keen to play an active role in helping our fellow Congleton neighbours, and do our bit to make a positive contribution to society. 

"As members of the local community, we were saddened to learn about the fire, and keen to do whatever we could to help restore the centre which is a hugely important space for local people. We're delighted to have joined forces with Co-op Property and Glendale Services to help restore The Biddulph Youth and Community Zone. 

Co-op Funeralcare Congleton of West Street, Congleton.

"We hope our local neighbours enjoy their new and improved outdoor space and look forward to seeing the flowers planted in full bloom!"

Sharon Middling, Chair of The Biddulph Youth and Community Zone and Lead in the Community Garden Project, added: "We'd like to extend a huge thank you to Co-op Funeralcare, the Co-op Property team and Glendale Services who have worked tirelessly and supported our wonderful community volunteers to restore the centre. 

"The centre has always been a central hub for local people, who have felt the effects of our closure since May. We are thrilled to be back up and running and look forward to welcoming the local people back to see our new and improved community gardens."