Residents in Barry have been left devastated after the council forced them to remove the community garden they've had for nearly three years. Residents of Elm Grove created a "community space" outside one of their homes in the summer of 2020 but have now had to remove the artificial grass, seats, plants and fairy lights that were put there after receiving a letter from the council asking them to remove it due to complaints from other residents.
From Jubilee celebrations to teas with the Mayor, the neighbours at Elm Grove and in the surrounding community gathered at the community space to celebrate many occasions over the last three years. The community space was originally set up during the Covid-19 pandemic by six of the residents to provide a safe space for them to connect, as many of them were faced with loneliness.
One resident Julie, a nurse, regularly checked the health of her neighbours and kept them safe. She told WalesOnline: "It's a real shame that it had to be removed. We have many fond memories there." Residents say regular Covid-safe check-ups kept the elderly residents' minds at ease and helped them feel less isolated during the pandemic.
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To many the community space may have looked like just a patch of artificial grass, but for the community it was much more. One resident said: "While our neighbour looked after our health, that piece of grass looked after our minds."
Elm Grove has many older residents. but one family are a lot younger than their neighbours. Although they are of different ages, Poppy, aged 18, feels as though her neighbours are her "family" and on many occasions she joined in with the festivities. "We have shared so many amazing memories over the years and have had laughter and tears of joy and happiness. This was their comfort zone. I am so upset that we have had to get rid of our little area."
Although the community space was set up by six residents, only one resident was sent a letter from the council. Rita Christoforato has lived in her council property in Elm Grove for 18 years and said: "It would break my heart to lose it." The letter sent to Rita stated: "Should you fail to clear the unkempt front and rear gardens by the stated date then further action will be taking by the council, which includes the serving of a notice of seeking possession in respect of your property."
Rita, 80, said she was unhappy with the letter she received from the council and the possibility of seeking possession of her home if she didn't take down the space, which she and her partner Brian have since removed. She added: "It was devastating having to remove it. I am heartbroken."
A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said: “As indicated in the letter sent to Ms Christoforato, the vegetation from her garden has overgrown and is obstructing parking spaces. This contravenes her contract agreement and has led to complaints from other residents.”
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