'˜Free library' and orchard created in Leeds

residents and groups in Beeston Hill have banded together to create a free library and orchard for the whole community.
COMMUNITIES UNITE: Some of the volunteers at the new free library outside the Hillside Enterprise.COMMUNITIES UNITE: Some of the volunteers at the new free library outside the Hillside Enterprise.
COMMUNITIES UNITE: Some of the volunteers at the new free library outside the Hillside Enterprise.

The new attraction is located at the Hillside Enterprise Centre on Beeston Road.

A clutch of youngsters from the Into University programme came together last week to work with members of Beeston in Bloom.

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During the day, the group prepared the groundwork and planted a set of apple trees - donated by the Leeds Orchard Project and in partnership with Tiger 11, who run the ​centre.

The group also unveiled a weather-proof free library created by local company Posh Fruit Creative. Free libraries are places for people to find and leave books, in public spaces, for others to pick up and browse.

The project was coordinated by Ed Carlisle who turned up to lend a hand on the day.

Mr Carlisle said: “It’s always amazing what happens when people come together around a shared goal.

“A bunch of us agreed that we wanted to do this.

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“The resources then appeared, people got stuck in and hey presto.

“Community work doesn’t need to cost a lot - in fact, it’s often better when we keep money out of it.

“I’d like to say a massive thanks to all those who helped make this happen - it’s a small thing, but it really seems to have captured people’s imagination.”

Mr Carlisle added: “Please go and help yourself to the books at any time, and feel free to leave donations if there’s space inside.”

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The ‘free library’ and orchard are in the garden outside the Hillside Centre on Beeston Road and are readily accessible to the public during centre opening hours.

The centre is open 8am-7pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays.