Allot of demand for plots

10:50am Friday 1st February 2008

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ALLOTMENTS are gaining popularity across the country with a resurgence of interest in homegrown and quality food.

According to Trowbridge councillors, the town is no exception to this trend.

At a recent town council meeting councillors discussed the increasing demand from residents for a patch of land to cultivate vegetables, fruit and flowers.

A local resident and doctor, Paul Wilson, of Innox Road, told councillors that demand was outstripping supply in the town.

He said: "I have been on a waiting list for an allotment near my house for months and there is a two-year long waiting list.

"If people want to engage in this sort of activity, which is both healthy and encourages self-sufficiency, they should be helped by the local authorities.

"I wonder whether Trowbridge Town Council can provide additional allotment space in any of the brownfield sites around town to help reduce the waiting times on the existing allotment areas."

Cllr Graham Payne, is supportive of the idea.

He said: "I believe the demand for allotments in Trowbridge will continue to increase. It is already high and yet the demand is not being met.

"We should be able to identify potential allotment space and provide plots for the people of Trowbridge."

Cllr Bob Brice said: "I am in favour of more allotments but one of the problems is getting hold of the land. Most of the spare land is reserved for housing as it is much more valuable in that form."

The town council resolved to look at additional allotment space but could not promise to find any.