A new housing development underway in Derby has led to the opening of an Ascension Day garden in the grounds of the neighbouring St Bartholomew's Church.

Raglan, in partnership with Derby City Council and contractor William Davis, is providing a mix of 18 rented and shared ownership properties on a disused car park in Nightingale Road, Osmaston. William Davis and Raglan created the garden as a gift to the local community and to celebrate the new homes.

Also, William Davis held a Health & Safety poster competition with the local junior school to encourage safety while work was underway. The overall winning poster by Samantha Bullock is on display at the site entrance and has proved very successful.

The three poster winners, together with pupils from the infants school, planted rose bushes in the new garden. This was followed by a blessing from Father Mark Whiting of St Bartholomew's Church.

Guy Higgins, managing director, William Davis Ltd, said: "It is important when we undertake a project such as this one that we involve the local community. As the school was so close to the grounds, the safety of pupils was crucial. The safety poster competition has been hugely successful in getting the right messages across about not playing near building sites."

Providing new homes is just the beginning of Raglan's responsibility.The Association is very pleased the garden has been so well received, and the community commitment to the overall project sends a warm welcome to our new residents.