Support grows for allotment plan
Nearly £100,000 could be spent on transforming nearly three acres of land in Shrewsbury into allotments for the increasing number of people who are starting to grow their own vegetables.
Nearly £100,000 could be spent on transforming nearly three acres of land in Shrewsbury into allotments for the increasing number of people who are starting to grow their own vegetables.
Council bosses say more allotments will have a positive effect and they are asking for land at Bowbrook to be transferred to the new Shrewsbury Town Council on a 125-year lease when the unitary authority is brought in next year.
The announcement comes after it was revealed more people are taking up allotments across the country because of the growing cost of food.
Staff at Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council have received a number of requests for new allotments, especially in the Copthorne area, which is why the two-and-a-half acres at Bowbrook has been suggested.
Councillors will consider whether to invest £98,200 to create the new facility at a cabinet meeting on September 1. The money would go towards security fencing, a compostable toilet and a parking area.
Divided
It would create 22 full size plots, which could be divided into 44 half plots as well as five irregular shaped areas.
The existing council allotments in the borough make up 35 acres and are in Monkmoor, Meole Brace, Harlescott, Column, Castlefields and Sutton Lane.
The hire of allotments gives the council an income of £10,000 a year with a charge of £38 per plot.
Allotment associations have said they want to reduce the waiting list and officers have 14 residents in Copthorne who have all ready expressed interest in having a plot.
A report to the cabinet states: "In the current climate, with rising food prices, increased awareness of healthy lifestyles and environmental impacts on food, this trend is only set to increase."
Councillors will consider two other options. One is to provide 3.7 acres and an investment of £106,200 and the other is not to provide the new facilities.
But officers state the first option is the best. They would need to ask the countryside unit to stop the grazing licence for the area.
By Rebecca Lawrence
