Elcho Gardens is a haven of peace and tranquillity and is highly valued by local residents.

Now a striking wooden “pergola” has been installed thanks to a link-up between Thenue Housing, which has homes nearby, and one of its suppliers.

Pergolas are popular garden additions featuring a partially covered roof allowing sun to filter through and nourish plants while remaining open to the elements. It takes its name from Italian - and originally the Latin language – meaning “projecting roof”.

The cost of providing the pergola was met by refurbishment contractor McConnell which is currently undertaking kitchen replacement work on some Thenue tenants’ kitchens.

As part of the contract awarding process, McConnell - which has an impressive track record of supporting communities in which it works –provided funding for the garden enhancement under its “community benefits” commitments.

McConnell has been around since 1929 and is no stranger to working with public and private clients including housing providers - the length and breadth of Britain. Elcho Gardens has been one of Calton’s great regeneration success stories in recent years.

Once an unloved and untidy location, the local community has come together to transform the location into a green space to be proud of. It now features raised planting beds and a striking giant sunshine mural on one wall to reflect the optimism of the Calton neighbourhood.

Groups use it regularly and it has been the focus for gardening sessions involving Thenue tenants and the wider community. One of the groups who are strongly committed to helping Elcho Gardens flourish is the “Roots to Recovery” Group – an enthusiastic group of amateur gardeners.

Their tireless green-fingered efforts are supported by the Calton Heritage and Learning Centre close by on London Road and the wider community known as “Green Volunteers”.

This is not the first time McConnell has donated money to Thenue to enhance the wellbeing of the community having contributed £2400 including its most recent donation of Easter Eggs for young tenants in the spring.

Eamonn McGarvey, managing director of McConnell, said: “We’re delighted to support Thenue Housing to transform Elcho Gardens into a tranquil place for residents to enjoy. We look forward to continuing to work with Thenue going forward including supporting future community benefit projects.”

Gary Naylor, chief executive of Thenue, said: “Elcho Gardens is one of the great regeneration success stories which all of Calton can be proud of. Thenue Housing values this green space and the important place it has in the community. We thank McConnell for helping create this welcome addition to the gardens in the form of the pergola.

“It fits perfectly with our strategy of creating sustainable, resilient and connected communities where people’s wellbeing and opportunities are enhanced.”