'It's been great to see the community pull together': Trees cut down and neighbours make pals in one week of Northampton garden project

Tracey has been living in Far Cotton since 2000 and has only just started to recognise the faces of those who live nearby during lockdown, mainly the Far Cotton and Delapre Support group who has been a shoulder to lean on.

After a chance meet with the group, Tracey, who has rheumatoid arthritis, asked a member if they knew anyone who could tame her tree as it was becoming unsafe for her grandchildren, and it all spiralled from there.

In one mammoth week, dozens of volunteers, two skips from Mick George, flowers, compost and plants from B&Q and days worth of time have from Teresa's charity have been donated to make her garden a tidy haven again.

If anything it's taught us that there is nothing wrong in asking for help from your neighbours at times of need, especially the amazing bunch in Far Cotton.

Helen King from the support group made contact with the Chronicle & Echo on Monday, which was the catalyst for the campaign.

"In one week we have seen a huge tree taking over two gardens virtually to no tree. These people who have helped are honestly angels, it's been so incredible.

"It was so amazing last night to receive the donations from B&Q, so we can give the garden a pink and blue theme.

"It's great to see the community pulling together. At some point we all will need someone to give us a helping hand and that's what we are doing. Tracey has promised someone who is helping her that she will give her a hand when this is over."

Teresa McCarthy-Dixon, who has run the Swan and Helmet for 14 years, set up a registered charity called the McCarthy-Dixon Foundation during lockdown which helps with gardening projects. It comes as the landlady set up a foodbank, which has so-far fed 20,000 people and Teresa identified other needs such as gardening and lack of cooking skills.

Teresa's foundation are still today on site after spending up to six hours yesterday chopping down Tracey's trees. She said: "We will maintain it yearly for her going forward with my charity.

"We have done 40 other gardens so-far, we help people who have an illness, have suffered a bereavement or if they need a little pick-me-up. It can be like a new world for them to sit in their garden."