A SCRUFFY garden in Ipswich town centre will soon be transformed into an attractive communal area thanks to a team of volunteers.In just six weeks The Millennium Volunteers, based at Suffolk College, will be turning an open space in Grimwade Street into a relaxing environment for public use.

A SCRUFFY garden in Ipswich town centre will soon be transformed into an attractive communal area thanks to a team of volunteers.

In just six weeks The Millennium Volunteers, based at Suffolk College, will be turning an open space in Grimwade Street into a relaxing environment for public use.

Work has started on land behind the offices of a training and advice centre called People at the Centre of Ipswich.

Community development worker, Nina Grunberg, from PCI, was approached by the Millennium Volunteers who offered to see the project through from design to completion.

Looking forward to the finished work which the team are busy fundraising for, Nina, said: "At the moment the space is just cracked concrete with lots of greenery – mainly thistles. There is a shabby old shed, which will be completely revamped.

"The aim is to transform the area for people to drop in, have a cup of tea and bring their children to play.

"When we were approached by the Millennium Volunteers I thought great, I would love to give them the challenge. It is a good way for them of picking up new skills."

A team of eight volunteers aged between 17 and 25 years have designed the area to include a grassed area, a Wendy House, a bench under the trees and sandpit. It is available for use for anyone who lives in the town ward of Ipswich.

People at the Centre of Ipswich is government funded and provides, training, support and information for people in the town ward.

They are inviting others to help or companies to step forward and help donate funds or materials.

If you can help, contact Nina from People at the Centre of Ipswich on Ipswich 406038/9.