The site of an old climbing frame, which was a magnet for anti-social behaviour has been transformed thanks to the help of a local resident and Thurrock Council.
Having retired in 2008, Tony, from Peartree Close in South Ockendon, would often see anti-social behaviour from large groups of young people who would meet by an old playsite in his neighbourhood.
Following a morning of litter picking around the area, he knew it was time for change.
Tony said: "As we were picking up rubbish one morning, I over heard some mothers complaining that their toddlers couldn't come down to the area to play. I wasn't having that.
"I contacted Thurrock Council's tenancy management team for help in replacing the old frame new one for children up to eight to enjoy, as well as putting a children's flower planter in. They put me in touch with Veolia Environmental Trust, who were more than happy to support the project.
"The council gave us two new planters, which we used to plant herbs, strawberries and vegetables. Last year, we were able to harvest seventeen bags of carrots, marrow, courgettes, lettuce and beetroot."
The transformational work didn't stop there, with further development taking place to ensure it's a space the whole community can be proud of.
"We also created a memory garden in honour of a baby girl who passed at seven months old. While I was volunteering at the RSPB Rainham site a resident overheard about the space and donated seven crates of plants which was enough to fill the flower bed and bend. It a beautiful space, which people can now use to remember their loved ones.
"The project has been a great success, bringing neighbours together with their families and building a sense of community. I volunteer about three hours a week to help with council matters and I can honestly say it is all worth it when you see the children playing outside and their parents chatting away.
