Media Releases

Improvements in Line For Borough's Allotments

11/04/2008

Press Release

Allotments in Reading are to be given an overhaul following increasing demand from people living in the borough.

Over the next three years, the demand for allotment plots in Reading is set to increase by more than 50%.

And since Reading Borough Council's Allotments Plan was adopted in 2006, the number of people taking up an allotment plot has risen from 681 to 1156 – almost 70%.

In light of this, land that has not previously been used for allotment gardening for many years is to be brought back into use at a number of sites, including Goddard's Farm – 18 plots, Waterloo Meadows – 13 plots and Bulmershe – 40 plots.

In addition, scrub land at Henley Road and an area at Lower Southcote allotments is currently being prepared for cultivation which once completed, will provide space for a further 20-30 125 square metre plots.

Graeme Hoskin, Lead Councillor for Culture and Sport, said: "I'd like to thank the hard work of Council allotments staff who have responded to the growth in allotment demand over the last few years, substantially increasing the number of plots in use.

"Allotments are a fantastic way for people to keep active and grow their own healthy food. As a Council we are committed to increasing the supply of allotments whilst, at the same time, improving the service to tenants."

Allotment holders currently at Cow Lane have been offered alternative plots at Scours Lane after being notified that their allotments are to close in 12 months to make way for the Reading Station development.

In conjunction with the closure of Cow Lane allotments site, the Council will continue to examine whether land to Portman Road and Cow Lane/Richfield Avenue can be brought into use as allotments.

Around £70,000 worth of improvements is planned for Scours Lane allotments, in order to accommodate the Cow Lane allotment holders.

They include reinstating disused access roads, clearing rubbish, cultivating the land, marking out and mapping the site, planting green manure, installing irrigation points and repairing fencing and remove vegetation.

Ben Stanesby, the Council's Parks, Sport and Recreation Officer, is to update members of the Council about the improvement plans during a Cabinet meeting at the Civic Offices on Monday, April 14.

Other proposals on the table, include introducing a two-tier waiting list, giving priority to Reading residents.

Plots offered for tenancy should be limited to the equivalent of two full plots and for sites with a waiting list of more than a year, plots will be limited to one are of tenancy per household.

ENDS

Notes for Editors: Reading Borough Council’s allotments plan was adopted in 2006 and includes a number of objectives that together will help protect and improve the choice, quality and accessibility of allotments.

A new national survey is currently being undertaken and the results are due to be published next year. The study is likely to show a significant growth in demand nationally.

Sarah Bishton
Tel: 0118 9399957