Shabby parts of Shepley are being tackled by a “Guerrilla Gardening Group” in the face of council cuts.
With shrinking budgets at Kirklees Council, villagers have taken it upon themselves to tidy up overgrown and neglected areas.
Members of Shepley Village Association formed the group following the idea by treasurer Jackie Chatten.
Association chairman, Andrew Scott, said: “We’re doing this as a proactive way to deal with council budget cuts and the loss of so many local services. Along with the help from village residents the group was formed to improve and protect areas of the village that have been abandoned or ignored and desperately need some TLC.
“We have already cleared overgrown areas, pruned overgrown hedges, tidied benches, weeded flower beds and even created a community herb garden.
“We have further plans that include Dungeon Well, the original and historically important village fresh water source and the once one man dungeon which has been abandoned for decades, if permission is given by Kirklees.
“I was particularly pleased to see the little known but beautiful Millennium gate cleared, which revealed artwork in the paving stones, previously hidden by weeds.”
A Kirklees Council spokesperson said: “We warmly welcome this type of activity as it helps to improve the environment within Kirklees.
“We are happy to provide guidance and advice to voluntary groups or individuals wishing to get involved in their local area.”
