CAMPAIGNERS are hoping negotiations to buy an infamous Katesgrove eyesore will pave the way for a community garden.

The Chronicle revealed last week that the borough council has entered talks to buy the land on the corner of Crown Street and Southampton Street, having already agreed terms on two plots with the Crown Estate.

Father-of-two Ash Stewart, who has walked past the derelict site almost every day since his children started school, wants the council to put the community before cash when deciding the future of the site.

The 40-year-old analyst, of Upper Crown Street, said: “It is great to hear progress is being made. The prospect that it could be used as a community garden rather than another big block of flats will really benefit the area.”

The site has been an eyesore for nine years, but after months of trying to find the landowners the council was able to tear the buildings down in November.

Mr Stewart said: “Until the buildings were demolished it was not a pleasant sight to look at — it looked like a bomb site.

“So the demolition was a really positive thing for the area.”

Now he is joining the calls of Katesgrove councillors Matt Rodda and Rose Williams to convert the boarded-up site into a community garden.

Cllr Rodda carried out a survey which showed strong support for a community garden at the site and has been pressing officers to look into acquiring the land.

He said: “This is very encouraging news for the local community and brings the prospect of a much needed community garden a lot nearer.”

The borough council still needs to secure a deal for the third plot of land at the site before any decision can be made, but Mr Stewart believes a community garden will bring neighbours together.

He said: “I first heard of the idea for a community garden in that location a few months ago and I thought: 'That’s a brilliant idea.’ It is quite a decent-sized site for a children’s play area, as well as seats and a garden.”