PLANS to improve a dilapidated community garden in Newquay with a £150,000 redevelopment scheme have been approved.

The Crantock Street Community Garden committee has received planning permission for the much-needed makeover.

The scheme involves creating accessible pathways and surfaces, safe and attractive planting areas, structured growing spaces, seating and social areas, outdoor learning and activity space, biodiversity-rich landscaping and durable infrastructure to support long-term community use.

The good news follows disappointment a breaking the ground event earmarked to take place on Saturday, April 25 being postponed follows its appointed contractor having to withdraw from the project due to ill health.

Anna Jay, the chair of Crantock Street Community Garden CIC, said: “The postponement has been a little challenging, to say the least but now we received brilliant news.

“We have been granted planning permission so that the project can go ahead. We had never really doubted that this would be the case, but with these things, you never know.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to Laurence Associates in Truro for giving us pro-bono support with the process.

“We had to raid the coffers to pay for the planning application process, but without Tom and Richard at Laurence Associates expertise and generosity of time we wouldn't have been able to get through the process properly.

“This is another hurdle that has been overcome so we are close to getting started.

“We are already working hard to appoint a new contractor and establish a revised timeline.

“Our commitment to delivering a vibrant, inclusive community space remains stronger than ever. “We will share further updates soon, including a new date to celebrate the start of work, as well as the launch of our Crowdfunder to support the finishing touches, such as planting and community art.

“We look forward to bringing this project to life very soon.”