Town garden to encourage green shoots of recovery

It will take root on the site of the old Health Centre on Rose Street, Todmorden. It has not been used for two years due to flood alleviation works. Calderdale Council says people will be able to use the garden on a temporary basis while preparations are made for the redevelopment of the site.

Environemntal group Incredible Edible Todmorden is planning a demonstration area in the garden to showcase edible planting techniques, giving people the chance to grow and pick their own fruit and vegetables.

Fruit trees will be planted and wildflower seeding will create a display of meadow flowers throughout the summer.

It is hoped a variety of insects, especially bees will be attracted there.

Calderdale Council’s head of regeneration, David Moore, said he hoped the temporary community garden would “breathe life into the previously unused area on Rose Street.

“It is hoped that the town centre regeneration will include new retail and local business opportunities and a place for people to gather and hold events.

“We are asking developers to come forward with ideas for the redevelopment of the site. It is expected that this process will take around two years”.

The chairman of Todmorden Town Centre Renaissance Project Board, David Storah, added: “The project board felt that developing the area as a usable space while the longer-term scheme is fully developed would improve the environment of the town centre as a whole”.