Young volunteers recognised for landscaping gardens at local police station

A team of young volunteers in Shrewsbury have been recognised by West Mercia Police for their outstanding contribution to improving a local police station.

Since November, a team of pupils from Severndale Specialist Academy have landscaped the gardens outside Shrewsbury Police Station in Clive Road.

The pupils, aged between 16 and 18, have spent more than 400 hours researching, planning and cultivating the gardens.

So far, the team have made a real difference clearing up the front garden, removing shrubs, painting a fence and laying stones.

The three year plan will see the gardens completely revamped with a sensory garden and break-out area for staff.

On Tuesday Shropshire local policing commander, Superintendent Mo Lansdale, presented the team with certificates for their outstanding contribution to improving the gardens.

The recognition comes as volunteer's across the country are recognised as part of National Volunteers' Week.

Supt Mo Lansdale said: "We're very grateful to the pupils at Severndale Specialist Academy for the brilliant work they've carried out, they've come up with some really great ideas for the gardens and have excelled in the work that has been carried out so far.

"Our volunteers play such a valuable role in policing and supporting what we do and we can't thank them enough."

The work was made possible thanks to support from West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion who provided funding for the materials. He said: "I would like to personally thank those pupils who gave up their free time to improve the gardens of Shrewsbury Police Station. It's pleasing to see when volunteer projects connect communities to policing and vice versa."