Allotments in the news

Halifax allotment holders are reeling, after burglars struck twice in a week, stealing tools and smashing up plots across their site. Eighteen plots on the Cableform allotments, off Albert Road, Sowerby Bridge, were targeted twice in three days by thieves, who smashed through doors and windows, making off with anything they could lay their hands on. Plot holders have lost power tools and gardening implements and fear the cost of the damage could rise to hundreds of pounds.

It’s possible that the new Bridgend Asda development will be halted until problems over contaminated allotments are solved. Bridgend Town councillors are angry the situation remained unresolved two months after tests showed soil on two plots contained polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Asda had committed to having the allotments relocated and usable before work on the store began. Councillor Eileen McIlveen said, “We want them on there doing samples to prove something one way or another. The deadline has passed. Have they been told to stop building? Because they should have been.” Councillors also decided to refund all the affected allotment-holders their rent for the year as the plot holders have been unable to eat their produce since August, when soil testing began. “It’s pitiful to see what is going to waste,” said the council’s clerk, Carol James. “Morally, I think we need to refund their plots.”

A Scottish project aimed at encouraging families to take up gardening is set to expand its drop-in service. Organisers of the Bridgend Community Allotment health scheme in Craigmillar will increase the days its drop-in service is available from two to five in spring 2008. Evening and weekend sessions will be provided, specifically aimed at families. The initiative is the first partnership scheme between NHS Lothian and the city council's parks unit.

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