A bumper crop of people chase allotment plots as week celebrates growing your own
SCUNTHORPE'S allotments are in such demand there is a waiting list for those wanting to grow their own.
A total of 170 people are eager to get their hands in the soil and enjoy fresh vegetables.
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it's 'bean' a good year: Barry Cottiss and Maureen Williams pick runner beans they've grown at Healey Road Allotments.
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organic treats: Councillor Bernard Regan and wife Sue are presented with some fresh fruit and vegetables grown on the allotments by Barry Cottiss and Maureen Williams.
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Bob Tuffs with some of the potatoes he has grown at Healey Road Allotments. The use of allotments is being celebrated as part of National Allotment Week.
And those who are lucky enough to have their own plot in Scunthorpe are now celebrating National Allotment Week.
Scunthorpe alone has five allotment sites in Buckingham Avenue, Westcliff Avenue, Healy Road, Somervell Road and Bottesford Lane.
John Colby, allotment officer at North Lincolnshire Council, said: "All sites in Scunthorpe are full. We already have a waiting list of 170 people wanting to rent an allotment.
"People are choosing this type of lifestyle because the food is a much better quality, it tastes nicer and is a lot healthier."
To tie in with National Allotment Week, which runs until Sunday, several sites in Scunthorpe are opening up the plots for the public to view and buy some of the organic produce.
Barry Cottiss, vice-chairman of the friends group at Healey Road Allotments, said: "I own two allotments here. It is a lot better to know your food has no air miles on it.
"Organic food keeps its originality, which gives a better taste than that bought from supermarkets.
"People also have chickens on the site for the fresh eggs.
"I think there has been an increase in renting allotments since the likes of Jamie Oliver stressed the importance of healthy eating."
National Allotment Week aims to promote the awareness and availability of allotments both locally and nationally and it aims to show the public the benefits of gardening and allotment culture.
A spokesman for the National Society Of Allotment And Leisure Gardens said: "This week will help raise awareness of vegetable growing, fruit, flowers and consumption as part of a healthy pursuit and lifestyle."
4 Comments
by Phatz, Ashby
Wednesday, August 11 2010, 3:16PM
“Allotments are a great place to get your fresh fuit and veg. I often pop down after dark to pick varoius fruits of other peoples labour. It's a great way for healthy eating, you get your recommended 5 a day and it's cheap too.”
by Zeb, Ridds
Wednesday, August 11 2010, 10:23AM
“After checking the allotment act,I cant see why there is such a big waiting list.
If a council considers there is a demand, it has a statutory duty to provide a sufficient quantity of plots and to lease them to people living in its area.
I would think that a waiting list of 170 means there is a demand.
If local people feel there is a demand for allotments that is not being met, then any six residents who are registered on the electoral roll can ask to be provided with an allotment.
There is are empty allotment sites behind the Beacon pub and between the existing Buckingham Ave site and Normanby Rd”
by tracey, ashby
Wednesday, August 11 2010, 10:18AM
“i wouldnt eat anything from an allotment, i know where they wee when they are down there all day!!”
by Zeb, Ridds
Wednesday, August 11 2010, 9:39AM
“Quote..
'Barry Cottiss, vice-chairman of the friends group at Healey Road Allotments, said: "I own two allotments here'
Not surprising theres a 170 waiting list when people are allowed to own more than 1 plot.
I may be wrong, but I thought the size of a plot was sufficent to grow enough for a family, so is the 2nd plot used commercially ?”