Sam EmanuelA city park has been given a face-lift by a group of nature lovers who want to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area by making the area more pleasant.Sam Emanuel

A city park has been given a face-lift by a group of nature lovers who want to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area by making the area more pleasant.

The Friends of Eaton Park have been working hard with the help of a local PCSO to clear broken glass and plant herbaceous plants and hedging around the rotunda in the park.

The spot is being targeted by police as part of a bid to tackle teenage drinking, and the group hopes its improvement will lead to more respect of the area as well as adding year-round interest to the flowerbeds, which were previously bare in the winter.

CityCare horticultural expert John Bane was also on hand to advise the group about planting the perennials, which were supplied by Norwich City Council.

Judith Lubbock, who is a member of the group as well as being Liberal Democrat councillor for Eaton ward, said she hoped the planting would give enjoyment to everyone using the park, and inspire them to get involved in the group.

She said: 'The beds were previously managed by the City Council but their ability to pay for everything is diminishing and they don't have too much money to put into parks, so we want to make sure they are kept nicely and have taken over responsibility for the four beds around the rotunda.

'These plants are more interesting and colourful and will live from year to year which will mean we don't have to keep digging them up and replanting them - we were looking for something more sustainable and cheaper in the long run.

'It was really worthwhile to see the area transformed. I urge others to get involved in improving their environment - it keeps you fit and is great fun.'

The group were provided with refreshments during the work by the manager of the park's caf�.

Julie Sayer, the PCSO from the University and Eaton Safer Neighbourhood Team who helped with the work, said: 'As a Safer Neighbourhood Team we like to support the friends of Eaton Park as much as possible, and so we provide first aid cover for events like this as well as getting our hands dirty.

'Improving the look of areas often helps reduce anti-social behaviour there, and so we hope this will help.'

Anyone interested in helping to improve the park should Judith Lubbock on 01603 504126.

Have you been involved in starting a new community project, or have you just helped to complete an existing one? If so, call Sam Emanuel on 01603 772438 or email sam.emanuel@archant.co.uk