by Graham Tutthill

gtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

A community garden near Dover’s Market Square could brighten up the town centre and bring people together.

That’s the aim of Susan Proudfoot, who is launching the initiative, and has enlisted the support of the town council and Dover Arts Development.

“I have a dream to bring together our community, and transform our wonderful town,” said Ms Proudfoot, who has lived in Dover for 20 years, studies at Hadlow College and is a volunteer with the National Trust.

“Dover needs something like this,” she said. “I went to see the town council and I couldn’t have asked for a better reception. Within minutes I was talking to town clerk Allison Burton, and shortly after that we were walking down to identify the land that might be used.”

The Roman lawn, between Dover Discovery Centre and the Roman Painted House, has been suggested as the site and it is hoped that it can be developed without damaging the archaeology beneath, including Roman baths.

The garden could be used for all sorts of plants and herbs, linking Roman times with the present day, with a sensory garden, raised beds for disabled people to tend, and even a modern-day vertical growing system.
It may also have a Dover history trail.

“I want to involve everyone, from pre-school nursery groups to Age Concern,” said Ms Proudfoot.

She has organised a launch meeting at Dover Town Council offices on Tuesday at 4pm to which everyone is invited.

See this week's Dover Mercury for the full story.

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