MP spreads spring cheer

Rotherham MP Denis MacShane joined councillors and residents at housing complexes and public gardens across the borough to plant the seeds of spring cheer.

As part of part of 'Make a Difference Day', Dr MacShane joined a teams of local councillors in planting spring bulbs aiming to bring a bit of pleasure and some extra colour next spring at White Rose House, Wellgate House, Shaftesbury House, Caine Gardens and Greasbrough War Memorial.

Cllr Rose McNeely said: "I'm a regular visitor to many of the sheltered housing schemes in Boston Castle Ward.

"Many of the residents are not as mobile as they would like to be and so having a pleasant view is really important.

"And I'm looking forward to popping back in the spring for a cuppa and to see the bulbs in flower.

Cllr Jahangir Akhtar said before getting his hands dirty: "I'm looking forward to our bulb planting at Caine Gardens, where I know what a difference a splash of spring colour will make.

"But I'm hoping there is a gardening expert on hand to make sure I do it right."

Caine Garden resident Chris Garrett said: "Flowers are always nice and it's great that our local councillors and our MP have been out planting today."

Dr MacShane is pictured (fourth from left) with Cllrs Peter Wootton, Mahroof Hussain and Rose McNeely and with Rita James, Madge Rust and Brian Wilson, residents at White Rose House in Rotherham.