THE new Community Garden in Hill of Beath’s Main Street has won widespread praise for transforming a former eyesore into an asset for the village.

The garden, which features a piece of artwork depicting miners at work, was one of the top priorities residents voted to have included in the Coalfields Regeneration Trust’s Community Futures’ Five Year Action Plan for the area.

The village developed as the mining industry flourished and King Coal's connection is not being forgotten.

Bob Young, Scottish Trustee for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust said: “We are really pleased that the Community Garden has gone down so well with local residents.

“We have had a lot of positive comments from local people who are delighted to see a bit of derelict land, which was an eyesore, undergo such a transformation.

“The Community Garden gives a real point of focus for the village, and it is near the school so the pupils can use it as an outdoor classroom when the occasion arises.”

Community Councillor Willie Bishop said: “As part of our research for the Coalfields Community Futures initiative we asked people to identify their key priorities.

“Developing the Community Garden came second only to the proposals for a Bio-Diversity area, and bugs’ hotel in the boggy area at the foot of the park.

“The garden is already looking great, and will only get better as the plants and shrubs become more established”.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust put up a £25,000 participatory budget which allocated funding to Hill of Beath Junior Football club to refurbish their showers at their Keirs Park base; to the Community Group for the Bio Diversity area; and for the Community Garden and other floral displays.

Willie Bishop added: “We are really grateful to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust for all their help support and funding, to help make it all happen.”