RESIDENTS of Cricklade are now enjoying the new community garden in the town centre which has been completed after three years of work.

Cricklade Town Council, which was behind the scheme, said it was a ‘real community effort’ and thanked all of the community groups and volunteers that gave up their time to help with the planting.

Dozens of helpers aged from three up to 80-year-old helped out over the last few months.

The garden, which was designed by Anita Barratt, chairman of the Cricklade Bloomers, boasts seven benches and two flags.

Town councillor Brian Atfield was chairman of the working party that began drawing up plans for the garden in 2006.

He said: "It makes the town centre look brilliant and makes a good use of the piece of land that was there.

"I’m pleased to say that every day since it has been finished there have been people on the seats. It looks terrific."