Lumphinnans Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (TRA) has secured funding to begin transforming a disused garage site into a community garden thanks to a donation of land by Fife Housing Group.

Coalfields Community Futures Programme, which supports community-led regeneration within ex-mining villages by encouraging active citizenship and building local democracy, has awarded the group £3,000 towards the redevelopment of a vacant lot at the end of Ochilview.

The land itself has been donated by Fife Housing Group and housing officer Audrey Cameron has been involved with the TRA since its inception in February last year.

Audrey said: “We’re always keen to support our tenants and other local residents who want to help make a difference in their community and are really thrilled at the success this group has had in the relatively short time since they formed. It just goes to show what can be accomplished when people are enthusiastic about helping to improve their local communities and work together to achieve a common goal.”

Lumphinnans TRA treasurer, Tracey McCann, explains how they intend spending the money: “This funding will enable us to buy a storage container and materials to build raised beds for planting flowers and vegetables. We hope that lots of local residents will get involved in this initiative and that it will help to grow community spirit, not only by giving families the opportunity to learn about gardening but also by encouraging everyone to take pride in our village.”

The Lumphinnans Tenants’ and Residents’ Association works closely with a number of other local community groups and have also received fantastic support and guidance from local Councillor Darren Watt. They meet regularly at the Lumphinnans Bowling Club and are always keen to welcome new members.

Check out their Facebook page or contact Fife Housing Group’s Engagement Team on 01383 606162 or via info@fifehg.org.uk for more information on getting involved with this, or any of our other, tenants’ and residents’ groups.