Youth offenders improve allotment

Young people in Bath who are part of the criminal justice system have improved a city allotment so that local disability groups can enjoy gardening.

The Youth Offending Team's "Verge Project" has brought the allotments up to the standards required by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Four charities have exclusive use of 18 raised beds and two standard plots at the Monksdale Road site in Twerton.

The council secured grants from the government's DDA for the initiative.

The four charities involved in the project are Carrswood Community Resource Centre disability group, Bath Mind, Teenage Rampage and Headway.

Councillor Charles Gerrish, of Bath and North East Somerset council, said: "Gardening can help people to improve their physical and mental health, and is also a great way to meet new contacts and socialise. "