A PIECE of unused land previously rife with vandalism will now become a haven for wildlife after a community transformation, it is hoped.

A project headed up by the regions power network operator has seen land near an electricity substation transformed into a community garden.

The new green space, on Adamson Street in Burnley, was specially selected to receive a community makeover as part of Electricity North West’s ‘Transforming our Spaces’ project.

And as part of the transformation, the site has been cleared with wild flowers, bug hotels and planters put in their place.

Upon completion, Burnley MP Julie Cooper was welcomed to the revamped area and shown around the site while meeting members of the Electricity North West team.

Charlie Briggs, Gannow Burnley and Padiham ward councillor, Police Community Support Officers and residents also attended site along with members of Gannow Community Centre, who assisted with the project and will now look after the area.

Mrs Cooper said: “The project to create a community garden alongside Gannow Community Centre is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when different organisations come together.

“By bringing this area into use it will not only provide a well-loved asset for the residents of Gannow but also stop the site being used for fly tipping rubbish.

“I enjoyed spending time meeting with Electricity North West and Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Voluntary Service charity who have made this garden a reality and congratulate them on this work.”

Now the project is complete, Gannow Community Centre have been handed the keys and volunteers will use the space as a community garden and will also engage with children and all those within the community on how to plant and cultivate vegetables. It will also be a space for the community centre to undertake community projects outdoors.

Angie Thornton, delivery manager at Electricity North West said: “What was a blight on the area, is now a vibrant community garden that residents and the community centre can be proud of.

“Substations aren’t always aesthetically pleasing but they are a key part of the electricity network. The project has been extremely well received and I know people are extremely keen to get involved.”