New allotments officially opened

After months of hard work a forgotten piece of scrubland has been turned back into allotments and has welcomed its very first tenants.

The site on land at the back of Channel Park Avenue in Efford has been brought back into use as part of a Community Landshare Scheme.

It’s been a real community project as it has been designed taking into consideration the needs of the community members who have a plot on the site so that they take ownership of the day to day running of the site from the very beginning.

Councillor Brian Vincent, Cabinet Member for Streetscene said: “This really has been a fantastic project which has brought the whole community together. One of our pledges in 2014 was to encourage the use of unused land around the city to grow crops fruit and vegetables and I’m really pleased to see all the hard work has paid off and people are now enjoying this outdoor space.   Since 2011 we have created 119 plots, our target was 100 in 10 years, we have exceeded this in four years and also helped to create community growing projects working in partnership with external organisations and allotment associations.”

Another site at Lower Swarthmore in Central Pak will be opening next month. Providing 50 plots, a community hut, community orchard and toilet, and will become part of the already established Swarthmore Allotment Association for the day to day running of the site and it’s future links with the local community.                                                            

Sid Lawrence is one of the first tenants on the new allotment at Efford and said: “The council have worked extremely hard in clearing the site and have produced a new allotment area with fantastic facilities.  There is a communal shed and toilet, also an area set aside for an orchard. I have already begun to work the ground and have plans on developing my patch.  Hopefully we will soon be able to set up a tenants association.  The site appeals to me in several ways.  It is close to my home and has changed a really run down overgrown area into a top rate community facility. I am looking forward to meeting other tenants and swapping many ideas and tips on getting the best out of my allotment.”

To find out more about Plymouth’s allotments visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/allotments