Chip off the old block! Chip off the old block!

Leybourne Open Space, on Berkeley Road, NW9, now includes an orchard, natural pond and wood carvings.

Residents who manage the space have planted a fruit orchard, made wood carvings and installed new benches using funding from Brent’s Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL), to transform the disused green space.

Brent’s Community Grants offer funding to residents and community groups to develop projects to benefit their community.

Bhavesh, one of the residents involved in revamping the space, said: “It was really bad, it was just a lot of long grass, lots of issues with fly-tipping, antisocial behaviour, lots of issues at night-time, with robberies, drugs, and drink. “Since we have done it up it has been a lot better as residents are using it. “People are really proud about what they have achieved as a group and take a lot of pride in this.”

Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, said: “This is a great example of how a community can come together and make a huge difference to our local environment. We will continue to empower residents to make our green spaces and streets vibrant for local residents to enjoy.”

How many times do you re-use your fashion outfits, once, twice, more than that?