Pagett’s Memorial Rose Garden in Mesnes Park is a hive of activity at present as a willing group of adults with learning disabilities are putting in the spadework to make it a ‘blooming’ winner.
The group all use the council’s Adult Day Services in and around the town centre and the project will see them maintain and oversee the upkeep of the rose garden.
Sharon Shaw from the council’s Day Services team said: “During the summer the group regularly visits Mesnes Park and we see it as an outdoor meeting room.
“So the group decided that this would be a great way of giving something back.”
The project is a partnership between the council and Wigan and Leisure and Culture Trust, who manage the park, but it’s also had some high-profile help from one of the town’s premier companies.
Wigan-based toolmaker Bulldog Tools has donated the spades, pitchforks and other gardening equipment the crew needs to do the job and keep Pagett’s Garden look in top shape.
Terry Mann, who is the project co-ordinator said: “This is a great example of everyone joining forces to give something back and we’d really like to thank Bulldog Tools for their kind support. “Not only will it make sure the garden looks great, but it’s a great way for the guys to get out in the fresh air and learn some new skills. In the past schemes such as this have led to some of those involved going on to do courses and even get jobs in gardening as a result.
“Of course the outcome for the public will be a great place for visitors to the park to walk around and relax in with beautiful and well-maintained surroundings.”
