Council digs deep to invest £15,000 in new allotments (East of England Liberal Democrats)

East of England Liberal Democrats <info@eastlibdems.org.uk>

Council digs deep to invest £15,000 in new allotments

January 12, 2012 11:16 AM
Originally published by Cambridge Liberal Democrats

Rod Cantrill and residents at Kendal Way allotments Cambridge City Council has dug deep into its finances to provide £15,000 for new allotments in the city.

Seventeen allotments will be created off Kendal Way in East Chesterton and by up to 50 plots by potentially extending Empty Common in Trumpington.

The Kendal Way plots will be allocated to people who have registered on the council's 290 strong waiting list for allotments.

Cambridge City Executive Councillor for Art, Sport and Public Places, Rod Cantrill said: "We are committed to helping people who want to grow their own produce. This helps them maintain a healthy and sustainable lifestyle and I am delighted that we have been able to invest in creating these new plots.

"Our waiting list is testament to the fact that people are recognising the benefits of growing their own food."

East Chesterton residents, Clare Blair, Lil Speed and Mike Pitt joined Cllr Cantrill at the site of the new allotments in Kendal Way.

Mrs Blair said: ""We have campaigned for this on behalf of local residents and I am delighted to see that the city council has acted on our request.

"With all the pressures on people's incomes, it is a real bonus if they can grow their own fruit and vegetables rather than paying supermarket prices.

Mrs Speed added: "These new allotments are going to be really great for East Chesterton and I am very pleased that the council has found money in these difficult times to help some of the people on its waiting list here for allotments."

Pictured: Cllr Rod Cantrill (right) joins (from left) Clare Blair, Lil Speed and Mike Pitt to take a look at the site for the new allotments in Kendal Way.