Community grows together with new allotment

A Salford community have dug deep to transform an overgrown plot of land into a brand new communal garden and allotment.

Housing association Salix Homes recently helped a dedicated bunch of green-fingered residents on Shipley Avenue, Weaste, establish the area and invest in creating it into a popular spot for the whole community to enjoy.

Green-fingered residents – Mark Mitchell, George Switzer and Andrew Morrissey – volunteered their time to take on the project, which was an area often used for flytipping.

They turned to building specialists Emanuel Whittaker, who had been working in the area on behalf of Salix Homes improving nearby homes, for a bit of help getting the site prepared and ready for planting. The contractor were more than happy to get involved.

Mark Mitchell said: ‘The area had been overgrown and neglected and was becoming a hot spot for fly tipping which made the area look run down.

“Now thanks to Salix Homes and Emanuel Whittaker and with time, effort and imagination on our part – the allotment is coming together nicely.”

The new allotment, which adds to the 330,000 plots in the UK, is already growing homegrown vegetables like beetroot, potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower and the first crop of onions has already come through.

Emanuel Whitaker joiners built two benches and a picnic bench and also got its subcontractor Aspect involved to help create raised beds – which will become an herb garden.

Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes, said: “We are very proud to have helped fund such a fantastic community project – which I’m sure will prove popular.

“Owning thousands of homes across the city it is vital that we create strong, vibrant and happy communities. This was a plot of land that needed a bit of TLC and the residents wanted to come together to make a positive difference to where they live. We were more than happy to support them.”

Paul Robinson, Emanuel Whittaker site manager added: ‘Where possible we always try to give something back to the communities where we work and providing an allotment for the neighbourhood was a great idea.

“Allotments are really inclusive and help bring people together.”

As part of National Allotments Week (8-14 August), The National Allotment Society say allotments are very much in demand and the trend in people waiting to grow their own food is on the rise. However, to meet current demand at least a further 90,000 plots are needed.

If you would like further advice or information about allotments or growing your own food visit www.nsalg.org.uk