A COMMUNAL garden transformed by residents of a block of flats has been hailed the best in the borough.

The garden at the back of Brookdale Road in Hindley has gone from a 'blank canvas' to a Wigan Borough in Bloom Best Communal/Community Garden winner.

Grandmother-of-nine Sheila Taylor, 56, who is one of three residents who maintains the garden, with help from her son David, 28, said: “I am so chuffed we have won gold.

“Last year we just missed out, winning silver, so I was hopeful we would go one better this time.

“As a team we have worked so hard on the garden and this makes it all worthwhile.

"It was a blank canvas three years ago but everyone who visits it now comments on how nice it is."

The picturesque garden includes a summer house and a wildlife area with a bug hotel, all made from recycled materials.

It also has a pond feature and the committed residents make their own compost.

The mayor and mayoress of the Wigan borough Cllr Bill Clarke and his wife Joan presented Sheila with the award at Leigh Sports Village last Thursday as well as a certificate in recognition of the contribution the Brookdale Road residents have make to the competition.

Sheila added: “We have had so much praise since we won the award.

"We are going to put the award and certificate on display at the flats for everyone to see."

She thanked the competition's organisers for providing support, Hindley councillors for giving Brighter Borough funding to help maintain the garden and the Hindley Pets shop on Bridge Street for regularly donating plants.

Sheila is also hopeful of the garden winning a Brighter Borough prize.

It was inspected for the prize at the end of July, days after being struck by a mini tornado which saw falling tree branches break the community garden's fence.