Green Finger Boost For Local Gardeners

Teignbridge Council is giving local gardeners a green thumbs-up with the provision of extra local allotment space!

The land, currently part of Cross Park Nursery, will be directly transferred to Newton Abbot Town Council, and in turn leased to the Newton Abbot and District Co-operative Allotment Association Limited.

"Allotments have long been recognised as a valuable way of utilising central green spaces," said Cllr Jim Grimble, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Assets, Performance and E-Government. "They provide local gardeners with opportunities to grow healthy food and enjoy a rewarding pastime.

"The direct transfer reflects both Teignbridge and Newton Abbot Town Council's aim to respond to increased demand for allotments within the town centre area."

The local allotment association couldn't agree more...

"I wish to thank everyone involved in the process of returning the Coach Road site to allotments," said Tim Callard, the Newton Abbot and District Allotment Association Chairman.

"Especially Newton Abbot Town Council, Teignbridge District Council, the National Society of Allotments and Leisure Gardeners and our President Lord Clifford of Chudleigh D.L. who has supported us and provided advice throughout.

"It has been over 30 years since any part of the Cross Park Nursery site was used for this leisure activity and the prospect of seeing part of it returned to a cultivated field is very exciting.

"The Association has three aims for the field: to reduce our growing waiting list for allotments; to enable those existing members who would prefer, to take plots nearer to home; and, hopefully to provide plots for those with disabilities.

"We are currently unable to do this because the majority of plots are situated on an incline and are therefore inappropriate. This is ultimately subject to grant-assistance but we are very hopeful..."

Local trends demonstrate that more and more people are turning away from commercially-produced vegetables, and using allotments as places to grow their own food, make friends and stay fit. The stereotyped 'flat cap' image no doubt still exists but a great number of local enthusiasts are young people who find the therapeutic and health benefits of great value to themselves and their families.

"I believe this demonstrates Teignbridge's commitment to finding community uses and solutions when we have the opportunity," said Cllr Keith Smith, Chairman of the Allotment Review Group "This land will ease the demand for allotments in Newton Abbot and give a new group of people the opportunity to enjoy home grown produce."

Originally placed on the Teignbridge District Council site.

See also: Coach Road Update