A BAD back or knees will no longer stop people from tending allotments in one North Oxford patch thanks to new raised beds.

The Cripley Meadow Allotments Association has introduced the new plots to help people with mobility problems who have trouble bending or kneeling down.

The allotments are situated close to the Walton Well Road car park, just south of Port Meadow.

Association chairwoman Wendy Skinner Smith, of Helen Road, said the beds were made using recycled planks from scaffolding.

The 67-year-old, a former deputy headteacher at Cherwell School, added: "We wanted to try and improve access for people who have more limited mobility and hope this will attract those who may be worried that they can't bend down.

"The beds are in quite a nice orchard area and we want people to know we have got them.

"Having an allotment is one of the best and greenest moves you can make. You reduce your carbon footprint in food miles and keep healthy, so it ticks all the welfare boxes.

"I have been growing in my allotment for about 40 years and it's something I would recommend to everyone."

The association says it is now looking for people who want to use the new beds. There are six, each measuring eight metres by two metres.

One will be allocated per person and they can be used to grow vegetables, fruit or flowers.

The beds are designed so netting can be added for protection against birds or insects if required.

Meanwhile users can store their tools and equipment in a shared shed, with water available from shared water butts. There are no toilet facilities on Cripley Meadow.

The new beds were built thanks to help from Oxford City Council, which provided cash for the materials.

They were constructed by association members "who put in many hours of work in", spokeswoman Sarah Edwards said.

Allotment members pay an annual fee, which varies according to the size of their plot or raised bed.

Each of the new beds will cost £32.50. The annual subscription goes toward the costs of providing shared facilities, mowing grass paths and management of the site. Subscriptions run from March to March.

Ms Edwards added: "There are also a few other allotment plots available and previous experience of gardening is not needed, just time to attend regularly.

"Anyone is welcome to find out more and to arrange a visit, without making a commitment."

For information visit cripleymeadow.org.uk or call 07752 033 370