A SENSORY garden has been created at a Halesowen over-55s housing development after a flower beds became "fatigued."

The giant flower bed at Harden Vale became a byword for limp flowers and dreary plants before being picked to benefit from a community make over by Wates Construction.

Employees, customers and supply chain partners came together to transform the outdoor area at Harden Vale.

The flowerbed was dug up, moss removed from brickwork and replaced by a selection of flowers and herbs, including echinacea, garlic, camomile, thyme, curry plants and sage.

The improvements were given a seal of approval by Harden Vale’s tenants, including 88-year-old Barbara Bryan, who has lived at the scheme for 23 years, and 87-year-old Grace Sproston, who said: “It’s marvellous that the gardens are being brought up to date.

“Having this garden means that we now have a new space to enjoy."

She added: "It has given something to be proud of and I am looking forward to seeing it in full bloom come summer.”

Victor Clews, a surveyor for Optima Community Association which manages the site, said: “We are very grateful to Wates for their time and effort in improving the garden.

“This isn’t the only facelift the scheme and the neighbouring estate Crimmonds Rise are having.

"We are providing access to the properties, repairing roofs, fitting new entrance doors and screens with a more secure access system and installing improved handrails by all of the steps in the two estates."

He added: “The aim of the work is to make life better for our residents, as well as improve the overall appearance of their homes.”