In November 2023. Marlborough Highways was delighted to assist a local resident group called the Arlington Association with the clearing and preparation of two large urban flower beds in the London Borough of Islington. Working in partnership with Islington Council, Marlborough’s team turned an overgrown and unsightly space into an oasis of beauty and calm where people can relax and unwind.

(Marlborough clear the flower beds in Arlington Square)

Four 77sqm flower beds dominate Arlington Square, but two of them had become full of weeds. The removal of the old vegetation could not be achieved with hand tools alone, and the volume of soil involved, required the use of lightweight machinery and the expertise of skilled operatives. When the Arlington Association raised the matter with Islington Council, they were put in touch with Marlborough, who are the Term Service Highway contractor for the borough.

Marlborough offered their services free of charge and partnered with their valued supplier, North London Plant Hire, to deliver the project. Working closely with the Arlington Association throughout, the Marlborough team cordoned off the space with high-visibility fencing, before bringing a three-tonne dumper and 1.5 tonne digger on site. A team of four then excavated the ground to a depth of between 200-300mm, removing several tonnes of soil and foliage in the process.

Some of the excavated ground was repurposed, with the remaining being taken to a site in Essex. Then, working with a group of Arlington Association residents, 20 tonnes of fresh soil was placed on the flower beds, before it was thoroughly raked. The square remained open to visitors throughout the process, with the fenced off section quickly removed on completion. Over the following weeks new bulbs were planted, with the flower beds set to burst into colour in the spring.

Gordon McArthur, Chair, Arlington Association said, “We have just completed the dig out of the two northerly central beds in Arlington Square and have filled them with 20 tonnes of fresh soil. This was only possible with the help of Marlborough Highways who provided labour, equipment and paid for the disposal of the old soil. Without their help we could not have progressed this project, which is the largest we have ever tackled. I commend the generosity of Marlborough and their commitment to giving back to the communities they serve.”

Liz Wathen, Head of Highways and Streetworks, Islington Council added, “Great to see the work you have done, this is much appreciated by the residents and the Council, please pass on our thanks to the team.”

(Main image: The Marlborough Highways team pose with members of the Arlington Association)