Allotment group asks donors to dig deep after theft of equipment

The No 1. Serpentine Allotment Group, in Preston, have had items stolen from their site on Blackpool Road, near Moor Park, in recent weeks.

They have received a donation of £250 from homebuilder Taylor Wimpey and asking others if they can help in any way.

Bill Noblet, treasurer of the allotment group, said: “This has been a difficult time for the group as we had equipment worth hundreds of pounds stolen from our sheds.

“The new equipment is no longer kept on site.

“When Taylor Wimpey heard about what had happened, they were only too happy to help us.

“The money will be used to buy a long-reach hedge trimmer, which will help us to keep the boundary hedges in better order as the council no longer has the resources to regularly help us with this.”

Bill added new members were always welcome to join the group.

He said: “Any Preston resident can apply for an allotment.

“We currently have members of all ages, from retirees to young families and two local charities, Caritas and Spire, that support people with special needs also have allotments.

“However, we’re always looking for new members to enjoy the therapeutic and health benefits of working on an allotment.”

Nina Jackson-Clayton, sales manager for Taylor Wimpey North West, said: “We were only too happy to lend a helping hand to the No 1 Serpentine Allotment Group and help get them back on track.”

• To make a contribution, contact the group on 01772 720028 or 07801 187559.