THORNBURY'S community garden is getting ever closer to blooming again.

Landscaping work is well underway at the site of the new "mark two" garden at the rear of the town's new Turnberrie's community building.

Volunteer members of the Thornbury Community Garden Group are racing against time in a bid to prepare the garden to a standard high enough for it to form part of the town's entry in this year's Britain in Bloom competition.

"There's a lot of work to do but our aim is to have open by June, in good time for the Britain in Bloom judging in July," said garden committee chairman Adrian Jones.

"The ground has been levelled and cleared of brambles and the perimeter and inner walls have been rebuilt using natural stone in keeping with local heritage.

"A local firm has already started on the hard landscaping work including paving and walkways and things are beginning to take shape.

"The aim is to create tranquil space for use by the whole community and also for groups using the community building.

"It will be open to the public seven days a week and we think it will be a great asset to the town."

The community garden group was now an independent body, he said, and volunteer members were also looking after the grounds around the community building itself.

The garden project follows the loss of the award winning "sensory" garden in Gillingstool which closed last year when the site was sold off for housing to help finance the new community building.

Volunteers spent nine years creating space as a haven for the whole community but also including special provision for people with impaired senses.

Much of the hard labour to create the garden - designed by a local student and opened in 1999 by athlete Linford Christie - was provided by inmates from Leyhill open prison and it is hoped they will also be involved with the new garden.

Mr Jones said: "It's a big project for a volunteer group and we are seeking all the backing we can get to ensure the new garden is as big a success as the first."

Plans for the new garden will be on display at Thornbury Library from this Saturday until March 1.

Visitors will be able to view the garden group's latest brochure and leaflets will be available with full details for anyone interested in becoming involved with the project.

Anyone wishing to help in any capacity should contact Mr Jones on 01454 414740 or email claire@thornbury8.fslife.co.uk.

Further information is also available on the garden group's comprehensive website at www.thornburycommunitygarden.co.uk.