A NEWPORT community group is helping to transforming a previously overgrown green area thanks to more than £3,000 of grants.

Members of Ringland Wood and Wildlife Conservation Group have been working with staff from Newport council’s countryside department to improve the area known as 19 Hills, near St Gabriel’s Primary School in Ringland.

The area was previously overgrown but now thanks to £1,900, from Newport council’s 2010 festival community fund, and £1,500 from Tata Steel, the area has drastically changed.

Improvements include new benches being installed, trees being planted and two signposts put up.

The group is also getting ready to plant some bulbs at the end of the summer.

A wooden fence and gate to stop bikers gaining access has also been put up.

Biodiversity officer for Newport council, Katie Godfrey said: “We are now going out to public consultation to ask people what they would like to see done in the area.”

To comment, contact Ms Godfrey on 01633 656656.