Group digs in to clear allotments (From Oxford Mail)

Group digs in to clear allotments

2:44pm Monday 21st July 2008 in

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An overgrown allotment site that had fallen into neglect is set to be regenerated with the help of a grant.

Members of the Fairview Allotments Association in Town Furze, Headington, Oxford, have been awarded £500 by the Midcounties Co-op to restore the plots and turn them back into productive use.

Allotment association secretary Terry Wood said: "The site had been neglected for a number of years, but we have worked really hard to clear it.

"When we got here it looked like a nature reserve. And although it is still a bit overgrown, it is better than before."

He added: "We need about £10,000 to bring everything up to date and install some new facilities, such as water pipes, and to improve security and clear the land. This money will be helpful. We now have to decide exactly where we are going to spend it."

Committee member Stephen Woolliams said: "We are grateful to Midcounties for its support.

"Clearing some of the plots requires hard work, because they are so overgrown with brambles and small trees.

"But if we can make the plots attractive we can encourage more people to come and join in what is a rewarding and sociable pastime."

However, Mr Wood said anyone planning to come to Fairview Allotments would have to be prepared to roll their sleeves up.

He said: "We still have to clear quite a bit of ground. And because we can't get diggers on to the site, this all has to be done by hand."

Since the allotment association was formed last year, the number of plot holders has increased from nine to 24.

However, the association is keen to preserve the character of the site, and will avoid developing too many plots.

Mr Wood said: "It's not like your usual allotment site - and that is something that we want to keep."

A Co-op cspokesman said: "As a member-owned co-operative, we believe in giving back to the community we serve.

"The Fairview Allotments' Association is working hard to bring plots back into productive use and we were happy to give the group our backing."

To become involved, go to fairview-allotments.org.uk