Partnership revives neglected plots

A partnership between the borough council and the Probation Service has been reaping rewards at a neglected allotment.

Supervised offenders cleared eight plots at Poplars Little Sutton allotment site of problem plants such as brambles, saplings and weeds as part of their community service orders.

Now plots on the rejuvenated land have been “going like hot cakes” according to Parks Technical Officer Richard Burrows.  

“They’ve done sterling work - it’s far exceeded our expectations,” he said. “This site had suffered from long-term neglect and some anti-social behaviour and it was impossible to let out a third of the plots. When local people saw all the improvements there was an unprecedented rush and we let the plots in three weeks.

“Allotments are a neglected resource and it’s great that these have been brought back into use,” he added. “The site’s now a credit to the hard work and determination of the team and the colony steward who have worked extremely hard over the last two months.” 

At the height of the Second World War, allotments weren’t limited to pockets of council-run sites. Thanks to the Government’s famous Dig for Victory slogan Britain was transformed, with gardens, parks, grass verges, tennis and golf clubs and even the moat at the Tower of London dug up for the planting of vegetables.

Not only did this supplement people’s rations with fresh fruit and vegetables but also it freed up space for war materials on merchant ships.

Now it looks as though allotments may be undergoing a quiet renaissance.

“The traditional image of allotment gardening is changing, it’s now about healthy lifestyles, exercise and fresh air and we are keen to broaden its appeal to a new range of users - children and the family in particular,” said Richard.

“People are increasingly concerned with healthy living and healthy eating, and we’re seeing a good spread of ages from 30 upwards, plus a lot more women getting involved,” he added.

There are 22 allotment sites in Ellesmere Port and Neston, with plots and half-plots available, costing from £28 a year to rent a fully serviced full plot. For more information about current vacancies contact 0151 356 6992.

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Press release issued September 1st 2006