A Southend resident has had her much-loved garden brought back to life after Marlborough Highways went above and beyond while carrying out essential repair works.
The garden holds particularly special memories for resident Margaret. It was a space she and her late husband had created and enjoyed together over many years, making it an important reminder of the life they shared. Following her husband’s death, and while facing her own battle with cancer, being able to enjoy the garden became even more important to Margaret.
Marlborough was initially asked by Southend-on-Sea City Council to complete the works following the collapse of a retaining wall at the property. But as the team got to know Margaret and understood just how much the garden meant to her, they wanted to do more than simply complete the necessary repairs.
Alongside the required works, including the installation of gabion baskets, Marlborough funded a number of additional improvements to help restore Margaret’s garden. Undertaken separately from the council instructed project, these works included new paving, as well as a new shed and pergola.
Throughout the works, the team kept Margaret informed and regularly took the time to stop and chat with her. As the works progressed, the team’s support went well beyond the work itself.
Margaret’s daughter Clare said:
“My mum’s garden has always been a very special place for both my mum and dad. It was their happy place. Unfortunately, the back wall of the garden [which belonged to the council], had deteriorated and was becoming unsafe.
When we were told that Marlborough would be carrying [out the works], we could never have imagined just how wonderful the experience would be. The team have gone above and beyond. They checked in on her every day, spoke to her, listened to her and made her feel like she was part of the team. It felt as though they had become family.
They worked through incredibly hot conditions and never once made us feel that anything was too much trouble. They have not only replaced the wall, but have completely transformed the garden and given my mum a beautiful new space that she can enjoy. They have even helped put up her new garden furniture, which was such a lovely gesture and meant so much to her.
I have honestly never experienced a company or a team of people who have shown this level of kindness, compassion and care. The quality of the work is fantastic, but what stands out even more is the way they have treated my mum throughout the whole process.
The garden now looks like a little piece of paradise, and more importantly, it has given my mum a new lease of life. Seeing her so happy and excited about her garden again means more to our family than I could ever put into words. Thank you to everyone involved for everything you have done for my mum. It has meant far more to our family than you will ever know.”
Nick Reading, Operations Director at Marlborough Highways, said:
“This is a great example of the care and pride our teams bring to their work every day. We’re proud of the relationship we’ve built with Southend over many years, and stories like this show the impact our people can have on the residents and communities we work with.”
For Margaret, the finished garden is more than just an improved outdoor space. It has restored somewhere filled with happy memories of her husband and given her a place she can once again enjoy.
Marlborough has been working in partnership with Southend-on-Sea City Council for more than a decade, supporting the maintenance and improvement of highways and public spaces across the city. In April 2026, that long-standing partnership entered a new chapter with the start of a seven-year Term Maintenance Contract. The contract includes the maintenance of roads, footways and street lighting, alongside traffic management, civil engineering schemes, winter service and improvements to the city’s public realm.
As we continue our work in Southend, we remain focused on delivering a high-quality service for residents, supporting local communities and creating positive social value.