A GARDENING project for the disabled that was due to close has been saved by another charity.

As reported by The Gazette, The Shaw Trust’s gardening project, in Elizabeth Road, South Ham, was set to close this Friday, after its funding contract with Hampshire County Council came to an end.

The horticulture scheme provided work experience for people who find getting work difficult, including those with mental health problems.

Parents of those who use the service and volunteers contacted The Gazette to express their anger that the scheme was to close.

But Basingstoke Mencap has stepped in, and has asked Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to divert funding for one of the charity’s planned projects into the gardening scheme.

Geoff Belsham, trustee at Basingstoke Mencap, said The Shaw Trust will also donate £5,000 to the charity for the project. He said: “This presents us with great opportunities and great challenges as we embark on a three year programme to provide services for adults with learning disabilities, enabling individuals to learn new skills in both gardening and woodwork.

“Many thanks are due to Nigel Sully, the Shaw Trust manger at the site, plus councillors Sean Keating and Colin Regan who have worked strenuously on our behalf to enable Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to divert earmarked funds for Mencap to be used to support the horticultural site in Elizabeth Road.”

The transfer to Mencap should take place by July 31.

Cllr Regan added: “I am pleased that we were able to find a solution to securing a future for the project.”