Allotment site still elusive

At this week's Audlem Parish Council meeting, DAHLIA's intrepid allotment campaigners Christine Johnston and Ruth Kemble reminded councillors that it was the 3rd anniversary of their attending Parish Council meetings to try and find land in Audlem for allotments.

It was, they added, also five years since Bidi Jones first expressed interest in setting up local allotments. As yet, however, no suitable land has been found for purchase or rent. Sixty local people have expressed an interest in having an allotment.

Christine and Ruth, with Cllr Bill Consterdine recently visited Weston's new allotments. Weston had also struggled for years to find land but eventually had a breakthrough. Every plot has been taken up and the whole site was described as wonderful. There is, indeed, an Open Day this Sunday, 12th September, from 1.00 – 4.00pm to which all are invited.

Coincidentally, Audlem Online has been sent details of a scheme being run by Bridgemere Nurseries which may be of interest to some thinking about an allotment. Bridgemere is renting out plots.

There's more detail on their website – click on the link below the photo – but these seem to be the key facts below. It's much more expensive than a typical 'normal' allotment but plenty of extras seem to come as part of the deal.

The DetailBridgemere says: Each plot measures approximately 90m2 – it is therefore a manageable size but large enough to be really productive.

The soil is prepared by us and ready to go – and grow. All you need to do is decide what to grow, plant it and then watch, wait, weed and water.

All plots come with a composter and access to a water trough. If you choose, you can also have a greenhouse or shed and a water butt to catch rainwater. The rent for a basic plot is £5 a week, for one with a greenhouse and shed with a water butt, the rent is £10 a week.

All our sites are surrounded by secure rabbit proof fencing.

At every site you will have access to all the centre facilities including toilets and restaurants, as well as a convenient on-the-doorstep supply of seeds, plants, tools, sundries and everything else you could possibly need for your plot.

We supply you with a complimentary starter kit that includes a whole host of goodies to help get you underway. These include seeds, vegetable bulbs, a discount voucher for buying new tools at the garden centre, free Gardman products (twine, netting, labels, canes), the Gardeners' World First Time Veg Grower book, a Grow Your Own planning work book and a variety of other useful items.

Help and advice is always available from our friendly and helpful staff, all of whom are horticultural experts who like nothing better than dispensing good practical advice to expert and amateur gardeners alike.

We are hoping to organise a system whereby plot holders can swap their produce come the late summer months when even the most efficient gardeners can find themselves contemplating a glut. We are also hoping to organise a Harvest Lunch and various competitions along the way, to develop the social side of life.

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