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Growing support on allotments

by Tom Rowley
26/11/2008

CAMPAIGNERS pushing for more allotment sites got an encouraging response from a senior councillor.

Petitions have been organised by two recently-formed groups, Dig Hadfield and Glossopdale Action for Allotments.

Gamesley Residents’ Association is also gauging the level of interest on the estate as the ‘grow your own’ bandwagon gathers speed.

Demand is outstripping supply of allotments in the Glossop area. Jordan Street, near Manor Park, is the only council-run allotment site in Glossopdale and has a long waiting list of more than 90 people, to cater for a growing population of 30,000-plus.

There are also just five self-help allotment sites administered directly by allotment associations, who have their own terms and conditions, across the borough. Any other allotment sites in High Peak are privately run or let by parish councils.

John Haken, executive member for environmental services and a Simmondley councillor, said: "The council has already recognised the importance of access to local allotments in Glossopdale and we sympathise with residents who are on our waiting lists.

"As a council we are committed to providing our residents with initiatives that support the community and also contribute to their health and wellbeing — in this case, growing their own fruit and vegetables.  For this reason, we will be working closely with the residents to identify possible sites so that together we can establish more allotments in the Glossopdale area."

Councillor Haken is making arrangements to meet petitioners in the near future.