NEIGHBOURS on a park homes site in Wincham came together for a community garden party which was months in the planning.

The organisation and determination of resident Sharon Blackburn meant the Ashwood Park community in Chapel Street could enjoy a much-needed day of fun.

It was an opportunity for new and existing residents to meet and the event was well attended with around half of the estate – 75 people – attending.

Julia Griffiths, secretary, Ashwood Park Residents' Association, said: "Supported by a few others, Sharon ran a homemade cake competition, organised a raffle, tombola and scratch cards, in order to raise money for the Residents' Association already in existence on the park.

"The idea is to use the proceeds of this event for the benefit of residents in the future.

"We were delighted to have councillor Lynn Gibbon – Conservative councillor for Marbury Ward – visit our garden party and judge the winning cakes."

One of the helpers was Brenda Heald, who is the deputy Neighbourhood Watch coordinator for Ashwood Park.

Julia explained: "Shortly after becoming a formally recognised Residents' Association with our park owner, we thought it made sense to run a Neighbourhood Watch scheme alongside.

"So we registered and have signage up across the site.

"We were lucky to secure a £100 grant by National Neighbourhood Watch back in February to help us kick start these projects, and we are grateful to them.

"Local Neighbourhood Watch schemes work in a variety of ways that reflect the needs of the community.

"We have a good relationship with our PCSO who visits the site on a regular basis.

"We share crime prevention advice and information, we look out for each other with our red/green card window stickers, and we have now held our first community event on the green, which has been a success.

"Eighty three-year-old Bill, who lives next to the green, said he wanted to attend to meet as many new people as possible.

"Some residents who were not able to physically attend the garden party were visited with cake.

"Ninety two-year-old Lydia was overwhelmed by the gesture, particularly as she had also won three raffle presents."