Low Waters Lot Community Group has been set up by a group of volunteers to promote community growing, biodiversity and sustainability. And the plan is kicking off with a competition - inviting the people of Hamilton South to grow food and flowers in their own homes and gardens - which the PB funding will be used to support.

Explained the group’s Sharon McDermott: “Our initial ideas are sunflowers and potatoes as they are easier to grow and look after, and we think these are items people would enjoy growing from scratch.

“The contest will offer prizes for winners, as an incentive to get growing, while hopefully sowing the seed in them that makes them want to do this year on year.”

The group was one of six projects to be fully funded after more than 400 people voted on nine possible options that could qualify for PB funding. A further three projects will be part-funded.

Added Sharon: “It’s very exciting to have been awarded this money for our growing competition. Members of the committee have been getting the children involved in making up the sunflower kits and we have been using small local businesses to source many of our components.

“It also presents an opportunity to network within the community and chat about what we are planning for the future. Knowing that their votes have counted towards this is a boost too, as we can hopefully encourage as many as possible to get involved.”

Council Leader, Councillor Joe Fagan, has welcomed the initiative.

He added: “Projects like this one come from the very heart of our communities, reflecting the needs and wants of the people who live here. Right now, so many are looking for new and effective ways to make a difference, whether that is to deal with the cost-of-living crisis or indeed the climate emergency.

“Community growing ticks both of those boxes, and many more, and I can’t wait to see the project really take root in the months and years ahead.”