Volunteers bring flower power to Dovercourt High Street

Dovercourt High Street has received a fresh boost of colour, with local volunteers taking to the streets for a hands-on planting initiative.

As part of the High Street Accelerator Programme, which has seen a number of initiatives to increase footfall in Dovercourt High Street, more than 30 large planters have been installed in the Dovercourt area.

Community Voluntary Services Tendring (CVST) then brought together a dedicated group of volunteers to pack the planters with floral treats and take the High Street to the next level and create a more welcoming environment for visitors. Clacton nursery, Treasure Holt Plants provided more than 100 plants for the floral refresh, giving volunteers a colourful selection of flowers and greenery to work with on the day.

Tracy Lawrie, Community Development Officer at CVST, was overwhelmed by the level of community support. She said: “I want to say a huge thank you to all of our amazing volunteers for coming out in the hot weather to do something special for our town.

“The planters look beautiful and we’ve already had comments on how lovely they look.

“Every week we have volunteers who take part in weeding and planting – giving up their time to make sure the high street and the seafront look great.

“This Community Planting Day was another brilliant example of the passion the people in Harwich have for their town.

“We are on the lookout for people to help us look after the planters long term, as well as at our other groups, High Street Heroes and Dovercourt Diggers.

“Get in touch if you can help at 01255 554115.”

Paul Milsom, chairman of the High Street Accelerator Group, said: “It’s fantastic to see one of the final elements of the High Street Accelerator Programme coming to life with our community planting day, bringing people together to brighten up the High Street with the new planters. 

“Harwich has always been defined by its strong community spirit and while this project is coming to an end, it’s exciting to see the positive legacy it leaves behind and to look ahead to the next chapter for our town centre with the additional funding that has been committed through Tendring District Council.”

Each planter has been painted in a red colourway that reflects the Harwich coat of arms, helping to give the town centre a consistent and distinctive visual identity. The new displays will now form part of the improving town centre in Dovercourt, enriching the High Street for shoppers, visitors, families, friends and neighbours.

CVST volunteers come together to plant up town’s new big red planters

Sun shines on volunteers planting

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