COUNCIL officers insist they have spent three years searching for suitable land to turn into allotments in Witney.

The news came after it was revealed residents may have to wait up to two years for a plot to become available.

The council’s land agent Mark Baker, of Wilson’s Commercial, has been searching for a site, but has so far failed to solve the problem.

He said: “I have been looking on behalf of the council for three years now and am aware that the original brief was for around three to four acres.

“But that has now increased, due to popularity of allotment demand, to around 10 acres which could be on two separate sites.

“It is a very challenging brief but one which I am determined to bring to a successful conclusion.

“If there are any landowners out there who feel they could help — please contact me. Ideally the site should be towards the north of the town with good access for both road and utilities.”

The Oxford Mail has received calls from agitated vegetable growers eager to cultivate their own plot of land.

Interest in vegetable growing has increased in recent years after endorsements from celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver.

Mr Baker believes there are potential parcels of land to the south of the town.

He added: “Some of these also have a potential as residential building land and therefore owners will be reluctant to negotiate at allotment prices.

“I am also aware that while any land must be value for money, cost is not necessarily the main issue.”

Witney has had allotments since the 1930s and there are currently 168 plots spread over four sites — Lakeside, Hailey Road, Newland and Park Road.

Latest figures show that there are 198 residents waiting for a £40-a-year plot.

Jason Bell, 41, of Cogges, joined the waiting list more than six months ago, and wants to give his seven-year-old daughter, Alisha, home-grown produce.

He said: “It's absolutely essential there are more plots as there are so many people that want healthy food, and it is important for my daughter to grow up eating decent food.

“I know what goes into my own soil, instead of picking up something from a shelf.”

More than 10 years ago, when the Madley Park development was first considered, a plot of land was designated for use as allotments.

However, following soil tests three years ago, the land was found to be contaminated and unfit for use as allotments unless about £100,000 was spent on the site.

As this was unaffordable, the developers bought the land and compensated the town council with £400,000, which is earmarked for new allotments.

The council has halved some plots to try to make more available, but remains on the look-out for new pieces of land to turn into allotments.

Council clerk Sharon Groth said: “We are trying to meet demand, but there is not any land available. We wouldn’t mind where the land was, as people all over Witney do want one.

“Because new developments have been built with small gardens, people haven’t got the space in their own gardens for a little veggie patch. That’s why there is the demand.”

The town council is also looking at other schemes, such as adopt-a-garden projects with individuals or groups and schools.

witney@oxfordmail.co.uk