Council digs deep to fund new allotments

30th July 2018

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Green-fingered residents in the Hatch Warren area can look forward to putting down roots when new allotments are created in Beggarwood Park.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has agreed to release £102,000 from the council’s capital programme to fund an additional 23 allotment plots at the site in Beggarwood Lane.

The go-ahead has been prompted by a shortfall of allotments within the borough, with 430 people on the waiting list to lease a plot. The work is expected to start in October after the bird nesting season is over.
The new allotment site will be situated near the current 15 plots. Scrub clearance work, new hedge planting, fencing, pathways, compost bins and an access route will be created. The land is outside the Local Nature Reserve area in Beggarwood Park.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Mark Ruffell said: “There is a real demand for more allotments in the borough and the council is pleased to meet residents’ needs by creating the new sites at Beggarwood Park.

“Growing your own fruit and vegetables is a great way of exercising and staying healthy, making friends and getting involved in your community and it could save money too.
“The funding will enhance the current allotment site and ensure that residents continue to enjoy a high quality of life here.”

For more information about allotments in the borough visit https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/allotments