SHELTERED housing residents in Greenock are now enjoying new outdoor spaces thanks to a gardening makeover from a local green team.

The new Invergrow project teamed up with River Clyde Homes to create new raised beds in John Galt House, Elliott Court and Stewart House.

They joined together with Parklea Branching Out and Inverclyde HSCP'S unpaid work team to put their plan into action.

Now, at the end of the six-month project, residents are feeling the full benefit of the initiative.

Gardening taskforce team at Elliott Court Gardening taskforce team at Elliott Court (Image: George Munro)

Councillor Michael McCormick, convener of the council's environment and regeneration committee, said: “These planters are a great idea and it’s something all the residents can enjoy.

“I’ve been told there are a variety of different plants and flowers, as these can be easily maintained by residents and staff of the sheltered housing.

“The aim of this project was to promote the physical, mental and social benefits of gardening and the raised beds are also accessible for those with mobility issues.

“I’m delighted to see the gardens looking so good and I hope they bring smiles to residents’ faces for many years to come.”

Six raised beds have been created at the three River Clyde Homes sheltered housing complexes.

The project was a partnership between Invergrow, Parklea Branching Out, Inverclyde HSCP Unpaid Work team, and River Clyde Homes which began in February.

The Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) unpaid work team visited each site to discuss where the beds could be placed.

The Invergrow team purchased the materials then with the unpaid work team, assembled, delivered and filled the raised beds with compost and woodchips.

Parklea Branching Out donated plants to go in each planter.

A River Clyde Homes spokesman said: "This is a fantastic initiative that not only provides a beautiful outdoor space for sheltered housing residents but also promotes their well-being.

“The raised beds are a great way for residents to connect with nature, exercise, and socialise.

“We are delighted to have been involved, and to have such a successful partnership with Invergrow, Parklea Branching Out, and the Inverclyde HSCP Unpaid Work team.”

Invergrow is a project led by Inverclyde Council in partnership with the Inverclyde Community Food Network and is being delivered thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, part of the Funded By UK Government project, previously known as Levelling Up.