Thanks to dedicated volunteers, the ongoing work to improve Acomb Front Street has seen a burst of greenery in recent days.
Green-fingered members of The Greater Acomb Community Forum have given up their time and expertise to enhance the area.
Each volunteer has played a pivotal role in this initiative, working alongside the council to carefully select and sow the plants that will brighten the space for years to come.
Acomb’s rich heritage has also been honored through the planting effort.
The name Acomb, meaning “at the oaks,” inspired the decision to plant new oak trees along Front Street, acknowledging the area’s historical roots.
The planting project has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
In total, the initiative has brought two oak trees, over 100 plants, and 600 bulbs to the area, including dwarf oak trees, snowdrops, daisies, thyme, and more.
These have been planted by both volunteers and the council’s Regeneration Team.
To ensure the long-term care of these plants, the Greater Acomb Community Forum has committed to watering, pruning, and maintaining them, with ongoing support from the council’s Secondary Shopping Area Fund.
The forum is encouraging residents and gardeners to join in and help care for the plants, whilst giving back to their local community.
Cllr Katie Lomas, finance and major projects lead, commented on how amazing it is to see the developments;
“With a significant number of bollards removed, resurfacing works and seating installed you can already start to see a huge difference.
“We’ve listened to the community and continue to do so. The flowers and trees being planted now are an example of that. We’ve worked closely with the Greater Acomb Community Forum to identify which trees and flowers they would like to have on Front Street and I can’t wait to see them in the spring and summer next year.”
Councillor Jenny Kent, environment lead, said: “It was great to join the volunteers and to thank them for the work they are doing to spruce up Front Street.
“Throughout our discussions with them and all the engagement work we’ve done in the area, the pride and passion for Acomb has shone through.
Luke Walker, chair of Greater Acomb Community Forum, said: “It’s great to see Acomb Front Street blooming with the newly planted containers, making the place feel more welcoming to residents and visitors as well as improving the environment in the area, thanks to volunteers giving their time and making a big impact on Front Street.”
These changes are the latest step in the ongoing transformation of Front Street, supported by £570,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Funding.
Since work began, there have been many exciting additions, including the installation of two new welcome gateways, upgraded toilets, new accessible parking, improved market activity, and a fresh community noticeboard.
If you’d like to get involved with the project, or just keep up to date with the updates, click here.