Community Gateway has planted 100 trees for social housing tenants in Preston as part of National Tree Week.

The housing association will continue to maintain the trees free of charge as part of its ongoing commitment to protecting the environment.

Kathleen Loftus, who lives in Westfield Drive, Brookfield, was among those to befenit from the scheme.

Kathleen has lived in the same house since 1967 and was thrilled to receive a beautiful ‘Sugarplum’ blossom tree from Community Gateway.

She said: “I thought the offer of a free tree was a nice gesture. I can’t do as much as before, so it’s good to be able to enjoy the tree without having to plant and look after it, which I am no longer able to do.”

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Rob Wakefield, CEO at Community Gateway, was on hand to present the tree to Kathleen, as well as a bouquet of flowers in recognition of her long tenancy and strong relationship with the housing association.

Rob said: “It’s amazing to think that Kathleen has lived in her home for over fifty years, and I am pleased that our GreenCare Team have been supporting her in maintaining her garden for about ten years now.

“We are both pleased and proud to be able to plant this tree for Kathleen, and I hope it brings her much happiness.”

If you are interested in helping replenish the tree stock in our communities by planting a small tree in your Community Gateway garden, call them on 0800 953 0213 or 01772 268324, and their Greencare Team will take care of the rest.

What do you think about Community Gateway’s scheme to plant trees for tenants? Let us know in the comments section.