Garden Assistance Scheme to continue
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28 Apr 2011
A long-running scheme which helps older people stay in their own homes by providing them with help to maintain their gardens will continue for around 30 pensioners in Stroud after town councillors agreed to plug a funding gap.
The Garden Assistance Scheme has operated across the Stroud District for many years providing subsidised gardening help for hundreds of older people wishing to maintain their independence.
However recent government funding cuts had put the future of the service, run by Stroud-based Care and Repair in doubt. Around 30 pensioners living in the town of Stroud were facing the loss of the subsidy which helped them pay to have someone come in and look after their gardens.
Stroud Town Council has now agreed to provide £2,000 so that the subsidised service can continue in the parish.
“This is a good example of how relatively small amounts of funding can help older people to maintain their independence whilst reducing the pressure on other services,” said deputy mayor John Marjoram. “I am delighted the Town Council has been able to step in to keep this service going for pensioners in Stroud.”
Article added online 29th April 2011