A VOLUNTEER-LED green space will open to the public later this week which is dedicated to helping combat social isolation.

Witham Leisure Centre, in Spinks Lane, will unveil a community garden project to the public on March 20 between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

Fusion Lifestyle, which runs the leisure centre and works with Braintree Council, is inviting the public to attend the event.

Witham mayor Susan Ager, will also be attending.

Braintree and Witham Times: Information - The grand opening's posterInformation - The grand opening's poster (Image: Fusion Lifestyle)

The garden was one of 14 successful projects announced by Braintree Council to benefit from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund for community gardens and open spaces.

The funding is part of the Government's 'levelling up' agenda.

Witham Leisure Centre's Richard Moss said: “We are so proud of our volunteer programme, which we know delivers huge benefits to the local community.

“Our team have worked hard to make the community garden project such a success and we know from feedback that it provides a wonderful safe space for important down-time for our community friends.”

The green space will have a garden, fairy trail for younger visitors, and its community garden team will offer cakes and refreshments.

In the future, it is hoped that the community garden will run workshops around healthy eating and food preparation on a budget.

Braintree and Witham Times: Hard at work - A volunteer previously working on the community gardenHard at work - A volunteer previously working on the community garden (Image: Fusion Lifestyle)

Braintree and Witham Times: Location - Another image of the Witham Leisure CentreLocation - Another image of the Witham Leisure Centre (Image: Google Maps)

It will also host activities around gardening, horticulture, sustainability, the environment and food produce.

The opening event will celebrate the many months of hard work from volunteers.

Mary Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at Braintree Council said: “We are delighted to see the opening of this community space.

“It is a fantastic example of community spirit and the collaboration between local people.

 “It provides a beautiful green space in the heart of Witham and will be a very valuable asset for the whole community, thanks to the hard work from many volunteers.”

The team at Witham Leisure Centre are offering space in their reception for anyone wanting to promote their health and wellness service through networking or to set up stalls to provide information to visitors.