Plans have been put forward to turn the site of a former village hall into a community garden.

Residents of Quinton, in Sittingbourne, came up with the idea after realising the need for a fruit and veg patch in the area.

If approved it will replace the now demolished Quinton Village Hall which closed nearly 10 years ago, in 2014.

Although the project is still in its early stages, it has already received support from one councillor.

Tory representative for The Meads, James Hunt, said: “It’s a project which has been put forward and will be run solely by residents in Quinton.

“All the people interested got together and there is now a lot of support for it, so hopefully I can assist them by getting the council to allow them to use the land.

“We’re not sure yet whether it’s going to be a farm shop or simply a garden to grow produce as it’s still in the early stages, but it will all be decided by those in the area.

“It is so the likes of fruit and vegetables can be grown, as well as creating a space for residents to come together.

“Since it was knocked down, the village hall in Quinton Road has been left as a grass area and used only for mowing.”

Cllr Hunt says early conversations with Swale council have been encouraging, but acknowledges a more detailed evaluation will be required before any building can commence.

“I've had a good meeting with Swale council's open spaces manager (Graeme Tuff) to discuss a community garden,” he added.

“The good news is he is open to the idea of making it a reality, and is now going off to speak with various departments to do the relevant checks.

“We need to know what the ground condition is under the top layer of soil, and a search will be done to check there are no electrical cables or pipes underground which could be impacted by digging.

“Although this isn't something which will happen overnight, I am keen to move this forward as quickly as possible and get this land back in to use for the community.

“I would like to see things taking shape by the autumn, so any planting can take place then and over the winter and be ready to supply produce next year.”