Save our allotment (From Stroud News and Journal)

Save our allotment

ALLOTMENT holders have been reassured that their plots will not be bulldozed after their determined efforts to turn a once barren site into a flourishing community.

The site, on Bisley Old Road, belongs to Stroud Town Council. It was put in a local plan with a view to redevelopment in 1997 when there were just six tenants.

But hardworking members of the Bisley Old Road Allotment Holder's Association began a recruitment drive in an effort to save it.

Secretary Nigel Little said: "The site has been threatened with building. Stroud Town Council had it down as a site for development and that put people off coming here.

"But there is a group of us here who have got together and decided that we won't let that happen. Now numbers are up to 31."

Over the years the allotments have suffered at the hands of vandals. Plots have been trampled on, marrows smashed and sweetcorn macheted.

The allotment holders believe that the council should invest in facilities such as a fence to help protect their growing community.

Mr Little said: "For a number of years people have campaigned here to get a fence and some investment so as a group we have decided to do it ourselves.

"It's really taken off and brought out the sense of community here."

Chairman Bob Thornycroft added: "The next priority would be vehicle access so we can deliver materials and tractors can get in with manure - and we don't have enough water facilities."

The group has started holding work days every third Saturday of the month, and plans to build a communal recreation area.

Green Councillor Gwen Belcher said that most of the site would be safe, and denied that the allotments were underfunded compared to similar sites in Stroud.

"They are not being neglected and they are not being sold off - but they are not getting any additional funding at this time as much as we would love to do it."

Mr Little said: "Gwen Belcher's assurance was that our part of the allotment won't be built up but part of this area is still at risk.

"At the end of the day this is a community resource and if Stroud Town Council can't be bothered to put any effort in we will do it ourselves."

They estimate that there are around 15 plots left at the site, which can be rented from Stroud Town Council for just £5 a year. Interested parties should contact the council on 01453 762817.