AN area in Great Yarmouth previously plagued by anti-social behaviour and drug dealers has been transformed into a community haven. Residents from Victoria Place joined forces with local agencies to help to turn a run-down communal area into an attractive garden.

AN area in Great Yarmouth previously plagued by anti-social behaviour and drug dealers has been transformed into a community haven.

Residents from Victoria Place joined forces with local agencies to help to turn a run-down communal area into an attractive garden.

The link-up between Norfolk Police, borough and county councils and neighbourhood management programme Comeunity, has resulted in alley gates being installed and new planting.

Residents said alley gates were needed in the area to stop drug dealers getting into the community space between Lancaster Road, Napoleon Place and St Peter's Road.

They also made other requests and a plan of action was drawn up with the borough council improving lighting in the area and police provided two alley gates. Norfolk County Council and Comeunity covered the cost for new walkways, landscaping and new flowerbeds.

Using funding from its Grey 2 Green project Comeunity also funded the planting of around 50 shrubs and two trees for the area and its team, along with borough council staff, helped residents revamp the area.

Comeunity neighbourhood officer Leon de Beer said: “From the outset, when the Victoria Place residents were approached, they were keen to improve the area, and we were determined to support them.

“It's great, because the whole project has been led by them. One of the best aspects of the Grey 2 Green projects is that they get neighbours talking to each other. I know that before this, some of them hadn't spoken to each other, but now they are sharing the aftercare of the plants and have volunteered to keep everything watered.

“I believe there are also plans for social occasions using the area, which is a million miles from its use before this started.”

To learn more about Grey 2 Green or Comeunity call 01493 845929.