Student landscapers have promised to bring Kingston’s Memorial Gardens back in to safe use by breathing “colour and life” into the Union Street site.

Kingston University students studying landscape architecture are hoping to raise more than £8,000 to regenerate the area.

The project will see students weed, cultivate and prune land before sowing new plants in the gardens by the end of the year.

Sergeant Dave Williams from Kingston police said: “I went up to see the class.

"We have had a few anti-social behaviour problems for a while with rough sleepers and late night drinkers so doing that area up encourages people to make use of it as a peaceful area.

"A project like this is welcome.”

Frances Christie, subject tutor at the university, said: “It is part of the second year curriculum to try to engage students with a live project – a real experience, a project that has a real outcome in the community.”

Surrey Comet:

Memorial Gardens as they are now...

...and what the students have in mind

Surrey Comet:

The landscapers will be working with Kingston Council and sustainability company Quadron Services for the year-long project.

A spokesman from town centre managers Kingstonfirst said: “Kingstonfirst are delighted that Kingston University students are using their vast talent to breathe new life into Memorial Gardens.

“We are working closely with the team to help generate funds for the project and providing practical assistance via the Kingstonfirst Rangers Team.

"We hope this project will bring the area to people’s attention and encourage greater use.”

So far the project has raised £2,255 towards its £8,355 goal.

Kingston University students will begin clearing out Memorial Gardens in the middle of February.

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