Allotment applications close with decade wait
Ten-year waiting lists for Preston allotments have led to two sites being closed off to new applicants.
New figures show there are currently 326 people waiting for an allotment in one of Preston's eight sites, which contains 505 plots, though some names are on more than one list.
The council has responded by putting up fees and sub-dividing plots.
Preston Council has also taken the decision to exclude residents from outside Preston's administrative area from applying – even though one site run by the authority actually lies in the neighbouring South Ribble borough.
The numbers have been revealed in response to a Freedom of Information Act request published online.
It also shows that the council brought no new sites into use in 2009 while allotments in Haslam and Sharoe Green, where waiting times have exceeded 10 years, are being closed off to new users.
The council says the overall waiting time for an allotment is approximately three years.
Penwortham-based Jim Melrose, who has an allotment at the Penwortham Holme West site, said: "They are sub-dividing plots to create two allotments from one space and still charging a full rate.
"I applaud the council for responding to demand but I feel they are taking the easy option instead of looking for land elsewhere to develop as allotments."
He praised allotments as a good way to improve the environment adding that he grows.
He said: "I'd like to think my carbon footprint is very small."
A Preston Council spokesman said: "We have had a problem with waiting lists for allotments for some time so we are trying to increase the number of allotments and also increase the fees.
"We are increasing the fees to reflect the demand that's in place for allotments and the service they provide for the community.
"They are important for people growing their own food and are becoming more popular."
There are currently council-owned plots in Deepdale, Haslam Park, Penwortham Holme East, Penwortham Holme West, Sharoe Green and three off Blackpool Road.
The cost of renting a plot is currently 30 each year with a 50% reduction for senior citizens, the disabled and some benefit recipients. The cost for the larger plots is 45.
Visit www.preston.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/parks-and-open-spaces/allotments.
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Friday 03 September 2010
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