I was getting fed up reading all the bad news about people not living in the right post code to get a plot, and the Olympics riding rough-shod over our cabbages. Then a got a letter this morning from Groundwork who have been commissioned by Manchester City Council to 'consult' on the regeneration of allotments in the City.
It seems that the Joint Health Unit and Leisure at the Council and the Association of Mcr Allotment Societies have put their heads together to think about the benefits and future for the allotments across the area.
The questionnaire I've filled in asks about supporting people who take on over grown plots, turning vacant plots into joint projects for all sorts - permaculture, eco buildings (?), alternative energy...
I know it's only a consultation, but it's got to be a step in the right direction?
thank goodness they're finally coming to their senses, we got our copy of Allotments Regeneration Initiative magazine yesterday, according to that, this sort of thing's going on all over the country :)
If anybody can get things moving it is Groundwork. I have worked on some of their projects and they really have some clout with local authorities.
Hey, let's hope it comes to something. If there's one thing Manchester needs, it's more green spaces! :)
That is brilliant! It is great to hear some good news for a change. Thanks for letting us know miniroots. :) busy_lizzie
Hooray, some good news for allotments at last! ;D Keep us posted of any progress & thanks for cheering me up!
This was on the news last night - how nice to hear of a forward thinking council.
Louise
Are we on the right wave length. AMAS (Association Manchester Allotments Society) is currently working to form a trust to take over the management of allotments in Manchester. Do you mean the offer of supervised workers clearing unused plots.
Hope it works out ok for Manchester :)
We had several projects on the go with Groundworks and they all turned into an ethical/logistical/moral nightmare ::) Not one of them came to fruition unfortunately.
They were, in essence, good plans.