GREEN fingered residents are planning their own "Ground Force" project to improve their area.

People living in The Haulgh have joined up with St Vincent's Housing Association to transform a piece of land at the junction of Radcliffe Road and Bradford Street.

Local landscape architect, Craig Aspinall, will provide expert advice on design and planting at the site which has been cleared by the council.

During the summer the residents secured sponsorship for hanging baskets, additional planting on Hilden Street and 2,800 spring bulbs have been planted throughout the area. Hanging baskets may also be put up in Holton Street and May Street next Spring.

St Vincent's director, Peter Smith, said: "It's very encouraging to see a group of people like The Haulgh residents take such a positive interest in the environment. By working together with these groups, we hope to be able to raise the profile of the community. We can't do it alone."

Madeleine Scott, a local resident and member of The Haulgh Community Partnership, said: "We are working together to make The Haulgh a better place in which to live and work. I think this initiative is really exciting."