FED up residents have transformed an embarrassing eyesore in the middle of Fortuneswell.

Community pride has been restored to a small corner of Underhill by volunteers who turned the neglected wasteland at 11 High Street into a garden and seating area.

The five day project by The Revive Portland Delivery Group was bolstered by passers-by who pulled on gardening gloves to help.

Resident Becky Jones was walking past the site with her partner Steve Drinkwater, 56, when she felt compelled to help.

The 30-year-old said: “We are feeling a bit more proud of the area and are not so embarrassed by it. It really was a state.

“We didn’t know it was going on and went to the shops and used the car park nearby and as we were walking across there we met Yvonne and got speaking to her and found out what they were doing and decided to help.

“It was something that desperately needed doing and from what we heard nothing was going to be done unless people helped.

“We walk past it all the time and it’s nice for the area to be done up. It’s really good for the community.”

The Spring Gardens resident added: “Revive are doing good work but it looks like there needs to be a lot more work around the island.”

The project was able to go ahead through funding from the Weymouth and Portland Partnership.

Construction hire company Eagle Plant donated working gloves and a local resident donated a cabbage palm.

Revive’s Yvonne Beven said they had lots of encouragement from people passing by.

She said: “We have transformed the eyesore into a pleasant garden and seating area.

“This would not have been possible without the fantastic support we were given by residents Steve, Becky and Paul Brewer who walked past on Monday morning and spent the rest of the week helping transform the area.

“We managed to finish just as the rain started on Friday but there are lots more areas that need some attention.”

Revive are now waiting for some large planters to be built which will be placed in Wren Court and are looking to start work on the flower beds in Castletown.

Mrs Beven said: “This is not a short term fix to make the area look better for the Olympics.

“This is a long term plan to make Underhill a more pleasant area to visit and live in. The community’s help and support can make it the best place to live as well.”

To find out more about Revive or get involved contact the group via reviveportland.com or facebook.com/pages/ Revive-Portland