THE grass is certainly looking greener for keen gardeners in Woolston after a new community allotment was officially opened last week.

Councillor Ann Brennan, chairman of Wooslton Parish Council cut the ribbon to declare the Battery Lane allotment open as green fingered gurus looked on.

The association has completed work on a special allotment created for people with disabilities, to allow them to enjoy the outdoors and learn new skills.

It consists of six raised planting beds surrounded by a hard standing surface, a ground level planting area, mess cabin, park benches and a mobile toilet. The existing water main has been extended to bring water to the site.

People with physical and learning difficulties from day centres at Gorse Covert, Orford, Dallam Lane and Penketh have already started using the allotment.

The facility cost £14,300 to create, and was funded by Woolston Parish Council, Awards For All, Warrington Borough Council's special needs and disability division, the Seed Programme, the community chest fund and Esmee Fairbairn from the Allotments Regeneration Initiative.

The association has thanked all of its supporters, in particular the parish council, Colin Stanton, outdoors facilities manager at the borough council, Kim Bates, from the small grants service at the borough council, and association members who helped to create the allotment.

Warrington Borough Council, Woolston Parish Council and the Battery Lane Allotment Association worked together on the scheme.

Clr Pat Wright, executive board member for community services, said: "It is fantastic to see the allotments officially opened as I know a lot of hard work has gone into delivering this project. Everyone who has been involved should feel very proud."