A new report has revealed more than 160 people are on waiting lists for allotments with some facing a two to three-year wait in Shrewsbury.

Shrewsbury Town Council owns 12 allotment sites and almost all of them have long waiting lists for people wanting plots.

Angela Bishop, who manages the list for Column Allotment Holders and Gardeners’ Society, said she thought their popularity could be down to fewer people having gardens and families being more concerned about what their children eat.

She said: “We’ve got about 35 still waiting for an allotment.

“We’ve noticed there are more women requesting them as well as young families, which is lovely.”

The report reveals 167 people are currently waiting for plots at sites including Castlefields, Bowbrook, Column and Sutton Lane.

The report highlights areas for improvement at each of the sites including problems with moles, trees which need pruning and security.

The council is proposing drawing up tenancy agreements to help committee members standardise rules and procedures.

Mrs Bishop said: “People have to wait at least two to three years to get an allotment with us.

“It’s brilliant to have one, you get out in the fresh air and can grow your own food and you get to meet people.”

In total the town council manages 478 plots which make up a total of 38.41 acres.

The report says that site visits have now taken place at all of the allotments to identify their future needs and any issues associations have.

The report will be considered at a meeting of the Recreation and Leisure Committee tomorrow at 4pm at the Guildhall.

By Emma Kasprzak