NEWS

Brixham Town Council Allotments

In response to the huge demand for allotment plots in Brixham the Town Council has cleared a large portion of ground at the Dixon 's Land site, Furzeham, in preparation to release at least nine plots to those on the waiting list for that allotment garden in time for this spring.

The Town Council now manages the majority of the allotments in Brixham, the exceptions are Stoney Park and Penn Lane allotment gardens. Since taking over the allotments in October last year the Town Council has contacted everyone on the waiting list to ascertain if they still require an allotment. This resulted in the list being reduced from one hundred and twenty two to ninety.

All allotment holders on the four Brixham Town Council sites have been informed of the change of management and the contact details for Lindsay Harrison, allotments officer and Ki Barnes, the Town Clerk. The allotment gardens are being inspected monthly and usage is being monitored to ensure that all plots are being cultivated. This has resulted in the identification of untended plots and these have been reallocated to those on the waiting list.

Lindsay Harrison said ‘As a former allotment holder I am impressed by the very high standard of some of the plots. It is most rewarding to now be able to allocate plots to those keen gardeners who have been stuck on the waiting list for some considerable time. Anyone wanting to go on the waiting list or with any concerns over allotments can contact us on 01803 859678.'

With the demand for fresh home grown produce increasing and the effects of the credit crunch there are more people wanting allotments than the Town Council has the capacity to provide. To this end the Town Council is in the process of looking at land in and around the town that could be used for allotments. The Finance and General Purposes Committee will be considering leasing an area of available ground at its meeting today. If agreed it will be the first new allotment site in Brixham for twenty five years and will be leased for a ten year period.

Ki Barnes Town Clerk said ‘It has been a challenge to get things organised but the co operation and encouragement of the existing plot holders has been a great help. I am very keen to see all our allotments being well used by as many people as possible and to reduce the waiting list by providing the people of Brixham with what they want – more allotments.'