A group of community-minded volunteers have come up with a solution to protect the allotment site on Lincoln Road, which is on land owned by Riverside and currently leased to Cheshire East Council.
The volunteers, known as Dean Row Allotment Society, decided to take matters into their own hands and met with Riverside, Cheshire East Council and Wilmslow Town Council where it was agreed that the Dean Row Allotment Society would take over the lease from 1st November 2014 so the site would become self-managed.
Future plans for the allotment site include the provision of various size plots for anyone living in the Handforth area and community plots specifically for the tenants and residents of the Colshaw Farm Estate. Over the next few months it is also hoped that a children's group will be created.
Ian Lomax, Society Secretary, said "It is understood that in the current climate, councils have no funds to help make the allotments attractive to new plot holders. As a result, one of our first tasks will be to raise enough money to start improving the site and make it more attractive."
Ian added "Owning an allotment can be great for your general well-being, relaxing, good for the environment, fun, fashionable and most importantly, it's a pleasure. You can enjoy fresh seasonal vegetables, all with a flavour hard to beat and the satisfaction of boasting that 'I Grew it myself'."
Jeff Allen from Riverside said "These are excellent allotments and a real asset to Colshaw Farm, and whilst they have been well managed over recent years, I am certain with the enthusiasm and expertise that the Society has clearly demonstrated the scheme can only go from strength to strength."
Join the Dean Row Allotment Society, Wellbeings Society and Riverside in celebrating the transfer of the allotment site at their open day on Friday 31st October, starting at 12 noon. The event will include a Halloween treasure hunt, a pumpkin competition (with optional fancy dress) - providing an opportunity for everyone in the community to come and check the site out.
To find out more about the Society, or if you want to apply for a plot, visit www.deanrowallotments.org.uk or email the secretary at [email protected].
