Gardens across Runcorn and Widnes are being spruced up thanks to a free service for Halton Housing Trust customers.

Tony Gerrard has been employed by the Trust to provide a free service for customers unable to tend to their gardens.

So far, it has made a real difference to the lives of 30 customers who would otherwise have struggled to look after their gardens. A further 20 are expected to be helped before the end of the year.

“People seem really grateful for the work that I have done,” said Tony, who runs Corporate Landscape Management.

“For me it is a very satisfying job to think I am making a difference to the lives of people who would otherwise struggle to do their own gardening. We are pleased to be associated with the assisted gardening scheme and that the Trust is supporting additional employment for local people.”

The Trust is providing the service to help customers, but also to improve the general upkeep of neighbourhoods in Runcorn and Widnes.

Tony has been doing the gardening since May and will complete 18 visits to each home before October.

The experienced gardener has been busy cutting grass and hedges, weeding, brushing up and cutting back shrubs.

Those receiving the free service are elderly or disabled customers of Halton Housing Trust.

Teresa Tierney, Director of Housing Services, said: “We feel it is vital that the Trust offers support for those customers who need it whether that be through helping with their gardening or through the free handyperson service that we also provide.

“It is all part of being a caring landlord that is looking to improve the lives of customers across the Halton area.”

Those eligible for the scheme will be reassessed each year to determine if they still need help.