Team of teenagers work together to transform overgrown Northampton pocket park

A team of teenagers who are working towards a citizen certificate have completely transformed a local pocket park.

The park located in Pitsford Road in Chapel Brampton was overgrown and the play equipment on the playing fields was run down.

But a group of 16 and 17 year-olds who are working towards attaining their National Citizen Service (NCS) certificate took on the challenge and transformed the park, which has been described as a ‘hidden gem behind a secret door’.

As part of a national scheme involving skill development and community projects, the teenagers worked with the local Rotary Club to make the improvements.

Robin Green, for Rotary Club of Northampton West, said: “There is all sorts of wildlife from badgers to bugs and includes a secret pond. It is an environmentalist’s heaven.

“Working in the soaring heat and the torrential rain of a typical British summer, the team cleared the jungle and briers making the whole pocket park accessible.

“The second team used their imagination and skills to brighten up the tired and dated swings slides and climbing frames located in the playing field next to The Bramptons’ County Primary.

“They have done an outstanding job.”

Team members came from schools across Northamptonshire to transform the park and work towards their NCS certificate, alongside the Rotary Club.

Robin added: “Partners share the same ideals of making the world a fairer, kinder and a more compassionate place.

“All bodies would like to thank the young people for their hard work, dedication and delivering the projects for lasting benefits for our community.”

NCS has been working with local businesses, youth centres and football clubs for almost a decade and has now partnered with Rotary and Rotaract, which is a youth Rotary organisation.

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