A CHARITY is branching out into garden renovations for vulnerable home owners after a “gardener” allegedly charged a man in his 90s £500 a time to cut his lawn.

The Forest Upcycling Project has slammed the “outrageous” charges, and is determined to try and help stop “criminals and conmen” from taking advantage of the elderly and disabled.

Charity manager Matt Jones said: “One of the people we have been helping is an elderly man in his 90s.

“He has been targeted by a ‘gardener’ who charges him £500 a time for cutting his lawn. That’s outrageous. I don’t know how these people live with themselves.”

The group, which also renovates and reuses furniture and electrical goods and employs vulnerable and disabled people, is offering to clear vegetation blocking the view from windows and cut back hedges and lawns.

Matt said of the new venture, which is backed by the Police and Crime Commissioners Fund: “Overgrown hedges and unkempt lawns can be an eyesore for neighbours, but more worryingly they can be an advert to criminals and conmen that the home owner is struggling and vulnerable.

“By making a property more visible from the roadside, the chances of burglary are reduced and a well-kept garden gives the impression that the resident is strong and resilient.”

He added: “Police community support officers in the local area are making referrals and we have also worked with other local charities who have identified people in need.

“We really want to focus on people that cannot do the work themselves and cannot afford for others to do it for them.

“This is a gardening project aimed at helping those in desperate need, and the sad truth is that there are people out there who are very quick to take advantage.”

Forest Upcycling Project is a charity that employs people who need a chance in life, including people with learning disabilities, autism, deafness and depression.

It also runs recycled furniture warehouses in Cinderford, Coleford and Chepstow, and all proceeds fund further employment opportunities.

The team will be working through the autumn to help tidy gardens up for the winter.

If anyone knows someone who is in desperate need of help, they can contact 01594 368240 to make a referral.