Write a commentThanks to funding from Live Here Love Here, a flower bed at Marcus Square, Hill Street in Newry got a spruce up today with hundreds of plants planted instantly brightening up a little bit of Newry.
The funding was obtained by campaigning group Newry 2020 and the idea for the planting was the brainchild of '2020 members Jonny McCullagh and Garry McElherron.
The pair spent today planting out the flower bed with the help of young Grace McElherron much to the delight of passers by who were full of encouragement.
Live Here Love Here is an organisation that empowers communities to improve their environment and build a sense of pride in their local area.
As they state "It is about loving where you live... about caring for your surroundings, feeling responsible for the landscape around you and creating a better environment for our communities."
Garry McElherron, Newry 2020 said "We really appreciate the assistance of Newry, Mourne and Down Council who allowed us to use the land which along with the support from Newry BID helped make the project happen.
Garry added "I though the street could do with brightening up, something with a bit of impact and the best position to do it was under the tree in Marcus Square. I was gobsmacked at the number of people who came up while we were planting who thanked us and said it was much needed in these dark days. Even shop owners said it lifted the whole area.
"Ultimately the project could only be achieved through the genorousity of the grant from live here love here for which we are very grateful."
Live Here Love Here also supported a Newry 2020 project in 2019 which helped revitalise the steps at the subway behind Newry Cathedral..
