Landlord supports extreme gardening at Walsall's residential summit

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Local Government

Tenants of a 60-unit scheme run by Walsall's largest housing association, whg, are harvesting their second crop of vegetables...on the roof of what is said to be the second highest point in the West Midlands town.

Parsons House, which is made up of two-bed apartments specifically designed for over 55s, was completed in late 2010 and includes two roof gardens.

It replaced the former Old Hall public house which had been closed for some years.

Mike Dowen, chair of Parsons House Residents Association, said: "We moved in December 2010 just after it was handed over by the builders. The idea for growing the vegetables came from one of the tenant's grandchildren. This is the second year we've done it. This year we're growing potatoes, carrots, onions, runner beans and lettuce. We just fetch them out and ask if anyone wants them. They have done really well this year."

Mr Dowen - who married fellow Parsons House resident Marian Rochelle last week, on her birthday - asked permission from whg to grow the vegetables. He and Marian have been together for 32 years and have 17 grandchildren.

Mr Dowen has also represented the tenants to get roof lights installed and Sky TV wired into every apartment. He has also taken on residents' safety concerns regarding the height of trees around Parsons House.

He said: "We got some roof lights so we can sit out on the roof in the evenings. Being the chair I don't make any decisions. It's all decided by the tenants. I just go about sorting things out which is knowing who to ask. We have a lot of help from whg."

Mr Dowen said he believed the roof at Parsons House to be the second highest viewing point in the town after St Matthew's Church.