A VOLUNTEER-RUN community garden in Machynlleth has been recognised as “exceptional” by an influential environmental charity for the third year in a row.

Volunteers at Gerddi Bro Ddyfi Gardens, which is located in the grounds of Y Plas, are celebrating after being given the Green Flag Community Award by Keep Wales Tidy – the third flag the project has been awarded in three years.

Keep Wales Tidy describes its Green Flag award as “the benchmark for parks and green spaces” run by volunteers, and say visitors can look forward to an “exceptional place with the highest standards”.

Gerddi Bro Ddyfi Gardens provides therapeutic opportunities for people living in the Bro Ddyfi area, especially those at risk of social exclusion.

Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, Cllr Michael Williams said: “I have been one of the inaugural members of Gerddi Bro Ddyfi Gardens, together with the much-missed and highly committed former councillor and deputy mayor, the late Sylvia Rowlands.

“I am delighted to have remained a member for the last 10 years.

“It has been great working as part of a highly motivated team of volunteers and committee members, in particular Kate Doubleday who has just finished and has been replaced by Angela Packston.­

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