Community / Community council supports plan to redevelop ‘eyesore’ piece of land
A FUNDING bid is in the works for a project to develop land near the Sound Primary School which has been described as an “eyesore”.
The project, led by the Sound School Parent Council, could see paths, raised beds, planters and garden features installed on the 300 square metre site.
The unused schoolground site in question is located between the nursery and the cottage, previously the janitor’s house.
The parent council is set to bid for cash from the SIC-administered coastal communities fund to develop the site, which has deemed wasteland, and turn it into an outdoor learning space and educational resource.
It wrote to Lerwick Community Council to garner support for the idea and its letter was discussed at a meeting on Monday night – with members happy to back the idea.
Writing on behalf of the parent council Tracey Hawkins said: “The proposal includes adding paths, raised beds, planters, children’s activity centres and garden features so that the whole area will become more attractive and user-friendly, as well as a space the school can use.
“We also intend to have raised beds that we can grow vegetables in and encourage families to be involved in this, helping to cut food miles and encourage healthy eating.
“The Polycrub would become more accessible and we could start off with seedlings that can be set outside when big enough, along with growing fruit and vegetables inside.”
She added that the hope is for residents in the area to also make use of the site.
“Everyone, of all ages and abilities, will benefit from having a communal area at the school where they can get involved in growing, or just come to enjoy the amenity,” Hawkins said.
“Once the site is prepared and ready to go, we intend to set up a Saturday Club where families can learn to grow vegetables together. This is known to be good for mental health and can help keep the cost of fresh, healthy food down.
“We will encourage volunteers to help keep the project going. This is a good way for people to meet and get involved in the learning and amenity of the place they live in, making it attractive and pleasant to visit.”
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