Still Time to Shape Allotment Policy in County
Ensuring allotments are the thriving horticultural centres they should be is at the heart of a review on how key green spaces are maintained in County Durham.
Allotment tenants, waiting list applicants and residents are all urged to get involved in the Durham County Council consultation, which looks at allotment provision across the county and how activities on them should be managed.
The consultation began last month and runs until Saturday, 31 March, meaning there is still time to help shape new policies clarifying what allotment tenants can and cannot do on their plots in the future.
Cllr Ossie Johnson, Cabinet member for culture, leisure and rural issues at Durham County Council, said: “Allotments are wonderful places that allow people to grow their own fruit and vegetables. This not only enriches diets by providing nutritious food, but can improve mental health, as connecting with nature and spending time in the fresh air has been shown to boost our sense of wellbeing.
“It is very important we protect allotments and ensure they are available to those who genuinely wish to enjoy horticulture activities. I would encourage anyone with an interest in the future of allotments to get involved in this consultation.”
The council owns 159 allotment sites across the county. Of these, 106 are managed by the council, and the remaining 53 sites are managed by allotment associations on its behalf.
People can register their views online at www.durham.gov.uk/consultation
Hardcopy surveys are also available at council run libraries and customer access points.
