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From left, Flagship Services neighbourhood services manager Joe McNeill, neighbourhood officer Stefon Cieschinger and biodiversity and land manager Daniel Salliss with Weasenham parish councillor Jacqueline Hargreaves installing the new planters and benches in Lamberts Close

A small park in a Norfolk community is looking ‘blooming marvellous’ following a project by Flagship Services – part of the housing provider, Flagship Group.

A team has installed two park benches and two planters filled with lavender, pansies and primrose at Lamberts Close, Weasenham St Peter, in an area surrounded by rented houses owned by Victory Homes – one of Flagship’s three housing associations.

Members of the community – including Weasenham parish councillor Jacqueline Hargreaves – rolled up their sleeves alongside Flagship staff for the plantings at the spot, where summer barbecues and other get-togethers are regularly held.

Joe McNeill, Flagship’s neighbourhood services manager, said: “I have already received some lovely feedback on how excited and happy the tenants are with us.

“I feel there is some really positive work happening here, with teams coming together to make things happen and working with our tenants to consider their needs, and supporting their community.

“I feel this demonstrates the values of the group and something I feel proud to have been part of.”

Weasenham parish councillor Jacqueline Hargreaves pitching in with the planting

Mrs Hargreaves said: “It’s great to see. In the summer we always have barbecues here - the gazebo goes up and everyone piles in.

“We all look after each other in this community.”

The benches were made from recycled plastic by Suffolk charity Realise Futures.

Flagship has also bought and installed a defibrillator cabinet on a nearby external wall.

Community efforts are now under way to secure funding for a defibrillator unit itself. Mr McNeill said that after the lifesaving piece of equipment arrives, Flagship will provide first-aid training so tenants will feel confident using it. 

Some of the flowers to go in the new planters