A COMMUNITY garden was officially opened today at Silsden Fire Station.

The garden is one initiative firefighters are staging to help the community "reconnect" after the challenges of the pandemic.

Crew members have created a garden and are launching a series of wellbeing events after residents described some of the difficulties they'd encountered during the past 18 months.

Inspiration for the community garden – which includes two benches, as well as plants and flowers – was derived from chats with residents who would stop for a breather as they walked past the fire station in Elliott Street.

The garden – outside the fire station – was created in just a month, with firefighters carrying out the work in their own time.

Funding for the project included a donation from the Tillotson Trust, a wellbeing grant from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and money raised by Silsden cafe Crumbs. The benches were donated and the Friends of Silsden Green Places assisted firefighters with the plant selection and planting.

In addition, the firefighters are holding sessions on alternate Wednesdays to help people who are feeling isolated or lonely.

Watch commander Dom Creed, who has been leading on the project, said: "During our work we encounter people from all different backgrounds and we’re sad to see some feeling isolated and lonely. Our message to anyone feeling like that is to come and enjoy the garden. Or if you prefer, come along on Wednesdays to the sessions to meet others. We are a friendly bunch and love connecting with our local community.

“The garden has been a project we’ve been really passionate about here at the fire station. The area previously was just grass, so we really wanted to brighten it up and make it something the community could enjoy.

“We know the last 18 months have been really difficult for a lot of people, so this is just our small way of giving back."

A coffee/tea morning will take place every other Wednesday, between 9am and 11am, at the fire station.