SATURDAY will be a landmark day for the residents of Robert Smith Court, in Lumphinnans.

At noon the convener of Cowdenbeath Area Committee, Councillor Linda Erskine, will officially open the estate's special garden created by the Robert Smith Court Community Group.

The Community Garden has seen a rough piece of ground turned into a lovely feature overlooking a fantastic view of rolling countryside and the Lomond Hills.

It is the high point so far for the RSCCG, which was established two short years ago, at a time when the estate was looking down on its luck.

Flytipping on the countryside behind what is now the new garden, and weeds growing on the footpaths and long grass in communal parts of the 50 house 25 year-old estate, made it look very untidy.

But two years ago residents decided it was time for change and the Community Group was formed and bit by bit the residents have turned things around.

Co-founders of RSCCG, Mark Davies and Evelyn Sneddon, said this week that everyone had played their part in the changes.

Said chairman Mark: "It is an estate which has private housing and tenanted homes with Kingdom and Ore Valley Housing Associations factoring some of the houses and private landlords others so it is quite a mix and everyone has come together to make things happen.

"A couple of years back things were untidy with the flytipping and long grass along with dog fouling not making things very pretty but people felt that enough was enough and came together to try and change things.

"The two housing associations were very supportive and we were able to set up the Community Group and we now have a committee of eight people and all the residents play a part in making things better."

Through gardener, Lewis Davidson, the long grass issues have been sorted and landscape gardener Steven Ogg has created the Community Garden out of waste ground.

Treasurer Evelyn added: "Down the slope from the garden was a real mess with everything from bedding and mattresses lying there but now it looks ideal.

"We have put in requests for grants to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust to create a new children's play area and a small woodland site on vacant land near the Community Garden so there are other things in the pipeline."

Colin McInnes, the Housing Manager for Ore Valley HA, is impressed with what he has seen take place: "Since our first contact with Mark in August 2018 we have been thrilled to see the positive progress made at Robert Smith Court.

"The difference this Community Group has made to their local area has been transformational and we are actively looking at how we can use their approach in other areas."

A piper will greet the residents and Councillor Erskine on Saturday, for the noon opening of the Community Garden, and after the ribbon has been cut there will be a barbecue lunch served before Lumphinnans singer, Carly Schiavone, provides some entertainment.