Menu

Local News

farley forest garden update

Farley Forest Garden Update

We would like to thank the Community for their patience while we have been going through this process.

The journey for the Green & Open spaces began in 2019…

  • In 2019 the Farley Big Local Partnership held a consultation with the residents on the estate.
  • Every household received a leaflet asking them to participate in the consultation and to share their thoughts and suggestions.
  • Residents told us that they would like to see improvements to outdoor spaces and new outdoor experiences for people that live, work and play in the Farley Big Local area.
  • The Partnership worked with Luton Borough Council on identifying open and green spaces and explored several sites which could be enhanced and more usable for local people.
  • This led to the development of plans for green space developments, which have been agreed with Luton Borough Council.

Five legacy projects were identified within the budget

The projects were scheduled to be delivered by Summer 2022; these are:

  1. The Farley Forest Garden Trail (214 votes)
  2. The Community Orchard (106 votes)
  3. The Farley Neighbourhood Park (178 votes)
  4. A pocket park at Hagdell (49 votes)
  5. A pocket park at Northdrift Way (114 votes)

The Farley Forest Garden received most votes from residents in Farley Hill and this is why the partnership decided to go ahead with this project first.

However, due to concerns raised by residents the project is running late and may be over budget as we address the issues they raised.

We consulted widely

  • Every household in the Farley Big Local area received a leaflet about the consultation in 2019, which gave everyone a chance to share their views and get involved with the plans for Farley Hill.
  • Consultation forms were also left at: the Age Concern Luton Charity shop, the Lettings agency, the pharmacy, the local cafes and at the Farley Hill Community Centre.
  • FBL held consultation events at Stockwood Park Academy and in community settings including the Community Centre, St. Margaret’s, St. John’s and the Methodist Churches, as well as the Farley Mosque.
  •  Information about the consultation was posted on the FBL website and social media platforms.
  • FBL was physically out in the Community in Market Square to engage residents in the consultation.
  • We received 414 responses in total, which helped inform the Farley Big Local Delivery Plan for 2020-2023.
  • Following the bigger consultation in 2019, FBL held a smaller consultation with immediate households next to the proposed projects which closed on 31st March 2021.

The Consultation for the Forest Garden closed on Wednesday 31st of March (this was the consultation we did with immediate households only not the whole estate). There were boards set up on the site with artist’s impressions of the proposed Forest Garden and each house on Whipperley Way, Santingfield North and South received a consultation leaflet.

The  consultation had 88 responses of which 52 voted for the project, as originally presented to happen. Farley Big Local honoured the vote of the majority whilst taking on board the views of those who had reservations, mainly about road safety and play equipment. We are looking into how to address those concerns whilst delivering the project that people voted for.

Comments and concerns were raised

  • A play park on Whipperley Way is not safe for children.
  • Nowhere for people to park which will cause congestion.
  • Cars speed down on Whipperley Way, which could be a safety concern for children playing.
  • Children could get hit from either side of the road when entering or leaving the site/ location is too close to the road.
  • Young people will destroy it/ vandalise the equipment & it will become a place for them to hang out, drink and do drugs.
  • Residents who live around the green strip are worried about their cars getting damaged by anti social behaviour of youth.
  •  The Park will create a lot of noise for residents living nearby.

FBL has taken these into consideration, sought advice from Luton Borough Council and play park specialists and thought of possible solutions.

Possible solutions

  • This project is not a play park, it’s a walking trail with a few natural resources.
  • FBL has consulted with the Highways department at the Luton Borough Council, who are in the process of producing a traffic audit for the site. The audit will have suggestions in it to make the area as safe as possible and it will inform the partnership of what safety measures must be in place. This is still pending.
  • A play area for young children was planned and if it goes ahead the area will be enclosed by secure fencing.  As with any play area parents/ carers must all ensure children are supervised .
  • Parking facilities are at Stockwood Park, at Market Square and in the surrounding areas.  However, this is for the community in Farley, and is not aimed at attracting visitors from outside so there should not be additional traffic.
  • Anyone can walk the trail but due to the site being surrounded by houses and flats it is unlikely that those engaged in anti-social behaviour would choose to meet there. Residents have the option of calling the police if they see suspicious behaviour. Furthermore, the design is all low level, allowing views above equipment. There are no hidden corners.

FBL wants to stress the importance of these projects which were all chosen and voted by residents of Farley Hill. We hope you continue to support the amazing work the residents of Farley Hill are doing for their Community.

seasonal treats for our seniors

Seasonal Treats for our Seniors

To spread a little festive cheer, Farley Big Local organised for 200 senior residents to receive an afternoon Seasonal Treat Box. You can download the full Seasonal Treats Report here »

Seasonal Treat Boxes

Each Treat Box contained:

  • Veg or Meat Rolls (the Meat option was very popular)
  • 2 Mince Pies
  • A piece of Christmas Cake, individually wrapped
  • 2 Scones & 2 Pots of Cream & Jam
  • A selection of Cakes or Seasonal Treats

In addition, each resident also received a Tin of Biscuits or Chocolates.

Referrals

FBL worked in partnership with local community leaders & residents and received referrals from:

  • Bethune Court
  • Felmersham Court
  • The Farley Lunch Club
  • Jill Jenkins Court
  • St Johns Church
  • The Farley Methodist Church
  • FBL Partnership Members

Some referrals also came through social media.

Delivery

With the support of local volunteers and partnership members we were able to deliver the treats on one day.

Partnership Members

Partnership members who helped out included Vera McNamara, Hafiz Khan, Leigh-anne Cruickshank, Hajrah Ahmed and Hina Malik.

Seasonal Card

A Seasonal Card included with each Treat Box highlighted FBL activities and that they sponsored this.

Happy Residents

This project made a lot of residents happy on the estate.

Project Spend

Total amount spent on the overall project: £2169.95

This figure included:

  • Chocolates & biscuits for the 200 seniors
  • Catering for the 200 Seasonal afternoon tea boxes
  • Packaging containers
  • Design & print of the Seasonal Cards

Seasonal Treat Boxes

Each Treat Box contained:

  • Veg or Meat Rolls (the Meat option was very popular)
  • 2 Mince Pies
  • A piece of Christmas Cake, individually wrapped
  • 2 Scones & 2 Pots of Cream & Jam
  • A selection of Cakes or Seasonal Treats

In addition, each resident also received a Tin of Biscuits or Chocolates.

Referrals

FBL worked in partnership with local community leaders & residents and received referrals from:

  • Bethune Court
  • Felmersham Court
  • The Farley Lunch Club
  • Jill Jenkins Court
  • St Johns Church
  • The Farley Methodist Church
  • FBL Partnership Members

Some referrals also came through social media.

Delivery

With the support of local volunteers and partnership members we were able to deliver the treats on one day.

Partnership Members

Partnership members who helped out included Vera McNamara, Hafiz Khan, Leigh-anne Cruickshank, Hajrah Ahmed and Hina Malik.

Seasonal Card

A Seasonal Card included with each Treat Box highlighted FBL activities and that they sponsored this.

Happy Residents

This project made a lot of residents happy on the estate.

Project Spend

Total amount spent on the overall project: £2169.95

This figure included:

  • Chocolates & biscuits for the 200 seniors
  • Catering for the 200 Seasonal afternoon tea boxes
  • Packaging containers
  • Design & print of the Seasonal Cards
senior treats delivery celebrations
senior treats tray
senior treats scones chocolate
senior treats delivery
senior treats volunteer delivery
senior treats recipient at door
senior treats delivered to door
senior treats devivery van
farley forest garden consultation

Have your say on Farley Hill Parks

Community Orchard

We consulted with the community last February and many people told us they would like us to plant a community orchard, with fruit trees and nut bushes in the green field behind Felmersham Court / Opposite Jill Jenkins Court.

This would be a great way for neighbours to work together to produce fresh fruit for the local people and would be a great opportunity for residents to volunteer.

Farley Forest Garden

The Farley Forest would be located on the green strip down Whipperley Way. We have included a concept design for you to see exactly where the project will be developed.

People suggesting the project said they would like to see many fun features to create a magical woodland space for families to enjoy. Ideas include some seating, play equipment, bespoke carved archways and many other fun features.

Click here to have your say and help Farley Big Local with the project delivery. View Consultations »

Farley Big Local Partnership with Community Interest Luton (CIL)

Farley Big Local Partnership with Community Interest Luton (CIL)

Thanks to Community Interest Luton (CIL) we were able to support a number of residents in Farley Hill with amazing food parcels during lockdown.

CIL received a grant from DEFRA and contacted FBL to check if families could be supported with a household shop. We sent a list of families over to CIL every week for 7 weeks.

Over the weeks FBL has referred: 140 families to Community Interest Luton for a shopping parcel. We counted the number of people per household for the 140 families and found that overall, the shopping has benefited 617 People.

Out of the 140 families, 37  were from outside of Farley Hill. These referrals were made by residents of Farley Hill and other professionals who knew of families financially struggling in Luton. 

FBL worked in partnership with local organisations who have made weekly referrals to us for families in need.

Watch our video to find out more.

coronavirus impact report

Summary of Support given during Covid-19

An overview of projects setup for Farley Hill residents by FBL and partnerships with other local organisations. You can download the full Impact Report here »

£5,000 Donation Made To Luton Foodbank

Farley Big Local donated £5,000 to the Luton Foodbank when Lockdown was announced. Luton Foodbank received 114 vouchers for Farley residents alone.

  • Luton Foodbank ended up supporting 237 clients
  • 139 Adults & 98 Children

Utility Support

6 families in Farley Hill asked FBL to support them with their electricity and gas.

This project was the least project taken up by residents. What we did find out was that with the children being off school, they tend to use more electricity by watching TV or by continuing their home learning on the laptop, PC or phone.

Parents tend to cook a lot more as well. But not every family asked for the support instead they asked for help with shopping.

Shopping Voucher Support

FBL supported residents in Farley Hill with a shopping voucher. Residents were given a choice between the local Co-op in Farley Hill or Tesco.

To date FBL has delivered 31 vouchers:

  • 28 vouchers for Tesco
  • 3 vouchers were for the local Co-op

Toiletry Bags

The Hygiene Bank Luton donated 30 toiletry packs for residents in Farley Hill.

  • 20 toiletry bags were for families
  • 10 for babies

The family packs included: shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, sun cream, toothbrushes etc.

The baby packs included: wipes, baby shampoo, nappies, sun lotion etc.

Food Shopping

Support Farley Big Local partnered up with Community Interest Luton to support families in Farley Hill with food shopping.

During this period Farley Big Local referred 140 families to Community Interest Luton.

We counted the number of people per household for the 140 families and found the shopping grant benefited 617 people.

Of the 140 families, 37 were from outside the Farley Hill area. FBL worked in partnership with local organisations who have made weekly referrals to FBL for families in need for 7 weeks.

Grant Support

The Farley Big Local Partnership awarded 43 families with a grant:

  • 6 families received a £100 grant 
  • 37 families received a £200 grant

Of these 43 families who applied for a grant:

  • 7 were furloughed
  • 10 lost their job
  • 24 taxi drivers waiting to return to work
  • 2 applicants were self-employed

We counted the number of people per household for the 43 families and found the FBL grant supported 205 residents.

Testimonies for the Grant & Food Parcels

I do not know how we would have managed without your help; I hope you are rewarded for all your outstanding support and help you provide for the community. If in the near future I can be of any help, please do not hesitate to contact me.

thank you so much for your support I have received the grant I really appreciated your help thank you once again.

Thank you, FBL for approving this grant for £200, I and my family are grateful for receiving this money. This money has helped us during this Pandemic as we all have been affected monetarily and otherwise and decided the best way to alleviate a lot of stress is by paying towards our debt, otherwise interest would pile up even further.

I am happy this money has been put to good use and the family felt paying off our credit card debts is more important than wasting it away on unnecessary things. We are proud to be from a community which helps all those who need it. Again, we are grateful for the grant.

It is amazing the amount of support shown from FBL in helping our Community.

Thank you so very much for all your help, I really appreciate everything you have done for me and my family

Thank you for all the support you are providing for our families and community.

Food packs have been extremely helpful as sometimes it is difficult knowing whether I will have food or not. again, thank you very much.

I was so shocked to see 4KG of meat and fresh chicken in the shopping parcel, this will be enough for a few weeks. Thanks to the team x

The kids were so happy when they saw the pizzas and fish fingers- thank you all so much.

We cooked the meat the same day as we have not had meat for a long time.

farley big local coronavirus response

Covid-19 Support for Farley Hill Residents

The Farley Big Local Partnership have set up some support for residents in Farley Hill, who need support during the Coronavirus outbreak.

We’ve created a leaflet which outlines what help and support is available, download here.

Please let us know if you need help with any of the following:

UTILITY

1. Do you need support with topping up your electricity and gas meter?

If you need the support please email on: farleybiglocal@ageconcernluton.org.uk

GRANTS

2. Small grants for families needing financial support is also available. Maximum £200.

Download the Application For Support During Covid-19

Download the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

You can see if you are eligible for the grant before applying by reading the FAQ’s. Support can be given with applications, please let us know if you need help.

FOOD

3. Support is there if you require a food parcel, essential items, a local shopping voucher, or other support.

Please contact us on farleybiglocal@ageconcernluton.org.uk
or call 07753376862 for more information.

Please also visit www.luton.gov.uk for updates on:

  • The latest government guidance
  • Information on schools & home activities
  • Financial support
  • Business grants / loans and much more…
coronavirus update farley big local

Coronavirus Update

Farley Big Local activity will carry on as normal, however the partnership will no longer meet face to face. Instead use WhatsApp, Zoom, and e-mails as tools for communication.

For the latest local Coronavirus updates, we recommend visiting the Luton and Dunstable Hospital website.

To date there are no cancellations, but we will keep you updated.

Projects on Green & Open Spaces for Farley Hill

Projects on Green & Open Spaces for Farley Hill

Projects 1-4 on Green & Open Spaces for Farley Hill
Project 5 on Green & Open Spaces for Farley Hill

Five fantastic legacy projects on Green & Open Spaces for Farley Hill, are now available to view and comment on at the Farley Hill Community Centre, until the end of February.

Please come down if you are in the area and leave your thoughts in our comments box.

  1. Farley Forest Garden – Down the green strip of Whipperley Way
  2. Pocket Park 1 – On the small green space of Northdrift Way
  3. Pocket Park 2 – On the small green space of Hagdell Road
  4. FBL Neighbourhood Park – At Stockwood Park, facing down Whipperley Way
  5. Community Orchard – On the green field behind Felmersham Court / Road

#GoodThingsToComeForFarleyHill

Farley Hill Community Food Growing Hub

Farley Hill Community Food Growing Hub

Thanks to Farley Big Local funding, more activities can take place at the Farley Hill Community Food Growing Hub at St John the Baptist Church.

Groundwork received £1,000 from Big Local to go towards tools and room hire at the Farley Hill Community Food Growing Hub at St John the Baptist Church. As a result Groundwork will be able to provide more growing sessions to local residents.

The Farley Hill Community Food Growing Hub at St John the Baptist Church provides a space for the local community to learn how to grow their own fresh produce and to make tasty nutritional meals. It offers residents the chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and reap the benefits of being outdoors, through a series of gardening and growing courses.

Read the full article, Farley Hill Community Food Growing Hub »

Load More