Businesses aid blind Pontypool woman after garden nightmare

Lisa Potter, 49, said she paid John Blooming Garden Services £6,500 for work to be carried out on her garden.

The work started on May 29, but, after three weeks of work, Ms Potter said she has been left unable to use her garden as it was unsafe and the work was done using “sub-standard materials”.

A GoFundMe page was set up to help Ms Potter with the costs of correcting the work, but to date, this has raised £145.

However, after seeing Ms Potter’s story in the South Wales Argus, a group of local businesses have come to her aid.

Dragon Taxis, Magor-based housing experts The Edenstone Group and the Pontypool-based construction firm OTL Group have agreed to join forces to put her garden right for Ms Potter and her guide dog Henry.

“I was really surprised, but so grateful for the help that’s been offered to me,” said Ms Potter.

“They’ve restored my confidence and helped me overcome my initial disappointment.

“Since then I’ve had several people coming round and looking at doing the garden and what they can do to it, within budget, to make it safe for me.

“I can’t wait to enjoy my garden.”

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Harry Roberts, from Dragon Taxis said: “We were saddened to read of Lisa’s news. This is an unacceptable situation.

“We were shocked to see the level of workmanship when we visited.

“Along with Edenstone and OTL Group, we decided to step in to put things right and to provide practical solutions, so that Lisa and Henry can once again spend time in a safe and enjoyable outdoor space.

“Between the three of us, we are drawing upon the best expertise and skilled professionals to transform the garden and will be covering the costs of this renovation so that Lisa will not be further out of pocket.”

The fence which had been installed in Lisa Potter's garden warped within a few weeks. Picture: Lisa Potter.

A pile of offcuts, mud and bricks were left uncleared by workers in Lisa Potter's garden. Picture: Lisa Potter.

Martin Barnfield, operations director at OTL Group, said: “We were horrified by the standard of the garden makeover and as a local company, we were keen to get involved in making it right for her.

“With over 35 years’ experience within the trade, it’s frustrating that workmanship like this is all too often associated with our sector.

“As part of this collaboration, ourselves and Edenstone will provide the plants and labour between us to facilitate the complete makeover.”

Harry Roberts of Dragon Taxis, Nick Barrett of Ashgrove Partnerships and Martin Barnfield of OTL Group. Picture: Huw John.

Nick Barrett, operations manager at Ashgrove Partnerships – part of the Edenstone Group – is also from New Inn.

He said: “It is very disappointing to see people being taken advantage of like this, when there are reputable companies that take genuine pride in their work.

“We believe in making a difference in our local communities - we’re just a short distance away from Lisa - and we are pleased to be able to contribute both materials and expertise to this project through our Edenstone Foundation.

“We’re planning on having everything put right for Lisa as soon as possible.”

Torfaen council said they were unable to comment when asked for an update on Ms Potter's report to trading standards as "there is an ongoing investigation".