Ambitious plans to create a mile of greenary linking  two communities saw volunteers with armfuls of colourful flowers shake off the rain and get planting.

The community-led project which was officially  launched at the beginning of the month aims to create a green corridor along the London Road linking West Croydon and Thornton Heath Pond.

Our Green Mile project and volunteers were joined by MP Steve Reed, councillors Stuart Collins and Stuart King along with representatives from West Croydon Energy Garden, Wandle Park, Park Hill,  Grangewood Park, THCAT and  Friends of Broad Green.

Two planters were placed at each end of the Green Mile, the first fixed outside West Croydon Station with the other placed at Thornton Heath Pond.

The planters were made by Peter Lawrence, painted by Angela Bruce-Mills and fixed in place by Michael Daniels.

Flowers were planted by invited guests including Michael’s children Anastasia and Kayleigh, with other children taking part along side Helen Buckland and Catherine Graham, the horticultural experts, who chose the flowers planted.Lizzy Hay, who is leading on social media and Mei Li Kan, overseing business engagement and funding have been out pounding the streeets meeting local businesses around The Pond to raise awareness and drum up support as well as asking for help with watering the planters!

Many shops are showing their support by displaying ’Our Green Mile’ posters in shop windows. Other team members include: Mohammed Ali, Janet Campbell, and Michael To. The project is lead by Malcolm Bell.

A further big planting session took place at The Pond on March 24 (pictured).

To get involved:       #ourgreenmile

Email action@thorntonheath.net