After nearly three years of fundraising, work has at last begun to create a community garden in the heart of Baildon.

The £75,000 project which will transform a derelict school playground on Hall Cliffe into a peaceful haven will be available to the whole community.

The first phase of redeveloping the former site of Tong Park primary school has begun with the removal of a road surface to make way for a wild flower garden, trees and seats.

Richard Freeman, treasurer of the Hall Cliffe Community Garden group, said: "It has taken three years of hard work but it is good news we are finally there and even better to see work start."

It all began in July 2001 when a committee was formed and a questionnaire went to residents asking what they wanted from a village garden. Bradford Council agreed a 25-year site lease for a pound-a-year rent and now, finally, all the money has been raised.

Mr Freeman said: "There are few leisure facilities in Baildon and no gardens for people to enjoy. This was waste space so we thought it would be nice if the whole community could use it."

The Countryside Agency, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Waste Recycling Group Ltd (Wren) and Newcastle Building Society were among those contributing money to the garden which is expected to be open by September.

There will be no play area. Mr Freeman said: "We felt the noise would annoy many who signed the petition. There will be an area for toddlers but, really, the garden will be a place where people can sit and enjoy the plants and flowers in peace and quiet."

Once the tarmac has been removed - free of charge by Chris Wright Road Planing Ltd of Hollins Hill - landscapers will move in. Mr Freeman said: "We will then be able to plant, but it will take about three years for the garden to mature and some flowers may fail and need replacing.

"But we hope to attract the help of the local community in keeping it well maintained."

Anyone who can help with planting is asked to call Mr Freeman on (01274) 530383.