Wolverhampton garden centre saved from the axe

Wolverhampton City Council approved the closure of Old Tree Nursery in July last year as part of the £134 million savings it has to make by 2019.

As a result, a 2,000-named petition to save the Pendeford Hall Lane site, which was set up to provide opportunities for and support disabled workers, was launched.

But it can now be revealed the council has come to an agreement with Heantun Housing, which will use the site as a horticultural centre, providing plants for its housing schemes around the Black County as well as supplying fruit and vegetables for its residential and sheltered care homes. The site will also act as a base for its Skills for Life scheme, a training programme which helps people with learning disabilities or mental health needs live more independently.

Heantun chief executive Sara Woodall said: "We have ambitious plans for the nursery and are working hard to clear the site at the moment so that it can be redeveloped and relaunched this summer. We plan to maintain the ethos of Old Tree Nursery, but make it bigger and better.

"As well as increasing the range of plants grown and sold from the nursery, we're planning to develop a cafe and gift shop on site. We're very keen to work with local people to develop Old Tree Nursery and we'd love to hear from anyone who is interested in either helping out with the venture, or who wants to share their views or opinions."

Old Tree Nursery employs nine people with learning disabilities, one with a physical disability, and two other staff in management and support roles. Council spokesman Paul Brown said the local authority would now work with employees to see if there are any other jobs and training opportunities within the council.

Nick Kelleher, of Unison, said: "They are happy to be in work but they are worried about their futures, they don't know what is going to happen."

Asked if the workers would prefer to stay at Old Tree, Mr Kelleher said: "They have been there 28 years, they built the place up - but their main priority is to stay in work."

Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for adult services, previously revealed the garden centre cost £280,000 to run each year, making at best £15,000.

Linda Sanders, the council's strategic director for people, said: "Old Tree Nursery has provided employment opportunities for people with a disability over the last 28 years, and we are pleased to have reached this agreement with Heantun Housing Association.

"This will mean that the site can continue to help develop the skills and independence of local residents with learning disabilities for many years to come."