NEW lighting and railings and landscaping work have enhanced the boundary of the garden of the Baptist Church running along Stourport's Minster Road and into Prospect Street.

The refurbishment was made possible by funding secured through Community Action Newtown, a partnership scheme aimed at combating vandalism while improving the local environment for residents.

Jill Fairbrother Millis, secretary of the partnership, said residents and passers-by had remarked on how the railings and gates had improved the street scene.

She said: "This was truly a community effort. For example, a resident electrician fitted the lights, young people came and worked on a clean-up, while Baptist Church members provided bacon sandwiches and drinks and a local trader carted the rubbish away."

Stourport-based construction firm, Thomas Vale, had offered to help with the final landscaping.

Philip Kearney, Minister at the Baptist Church, said: "The church appreciates very much the community partnership with us that has made this project possible.

"We hope that, with the encouragement of our new look, we can serve the community well in years to come."