Community in Shock Over Government Approval to Repurpose Allotments
Furious allotment holders across the UK have vowed to fight against government approval that allows councils to sell or repurpose certain sites for development. This decision, attributed to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, has sparked outrage among community members who rely on these spaces for gardening, social interaction, and personal well-being.
Eight different sites have been given the green light by Rayner to be sold or repurposed under what some call her “war on allotments.” The sites include locations in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Kent, Hertfordshire, and West Sussex. Despite being listed on official government papers, some allotment holders were unaware of their site’s inclusion until recently.
Disappointment and Frustration Among Gardeners
At Kingsway Allotments in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, several gardeners expressed their shock and disappointment. Many said they were not informed about the potential changes to their beloved plots until August 7. This lack of communication has left many feeling betrayed and disheartened.
Tony Tilley, a 59-year-old gardener with six years of experience at Kingsway, described the situation as “disgusting.” He grows a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, tomatoes, sweetcorn, cabbages, and carrots. Tilley, who has lived in Ashfield all his life, emphasized how much the allotment means to him. He enjoys the peaceful environment, where he listens to birdsong and interacts with wildlife such as hedgehogs, foxes, and robins. Tilley is determined to fight the decision, stating, “I am absolutely devastated.”
Dab Abbott, an 84-year-old allotment holder, echoed similar sentiments. He has had his plot for 15 years and grows every vegetable imaginable. Without the allotment, he feels lost and says it would be “better than watching TV day in and day out.” Abbott, an aircraft enthusiast, also enjoys watching planes fly over the site. He fears losing this space and believes it is essential for his health and mental well-being.
Importance of Allotments for Health and Social Interaction
Keith Albon, a 72-year-old gardener, shared his devastation over the potential loss of allotments. He has had his plot for 14 years and grows a wide range of vegetables. Albon relies on the allotment for both physical activity and social interaction. He mentions that without it, he would feel isolated and disconnected from others. The community aspect of the allotment is vital for his overall happiness and sense of purpose.
Ashfield District Council has stated that the government approval was necessary to repurpose some sites for car parking. They clarified that they are not selling off the entire site for housing but rather making adjustments to meet the needs of existing users. John Bennett, executive director of place for Ashfield District Council, explained that two unused plots at Kingsway Allotments were repurposed into parking facilities. This change was approved by the Secretary of State and funded partly by the Council and Lindum Construction.
Other Affected Sites Across the UK
The government papers list other affected sites, including:
- Spaxton Allotments in Spaxton, Somerset.
- Wallingford Road Allotments in Cholsey, Oxfordshire.
- Stapleton Garden Allotments in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
- Ravenscroft Allotments in Storrington, West Sussex.
- Longlands Allotment in Old Bolsover, Derbyshire.
- Churchfield Allotment Site in Wye, Kent.
A spokesperson for the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) reiterated that councils should only sell off allotments when it is clearly necessary and offers value for money. They emphasized the importance of protecting these spaces for communities, highlighting strict criteria in place to safeguard allotments and school playing fields.
A Call to Action
Allotment holders across the UK are now rallying together to protect their spaces. They argue that these areas are more than just gardens; they are vital parts of the community that provide sustenance, social connection, and mental well-being. With growing concerns over the future of these sites, the fight to preserve them continues.