Allotment holder wins prize

Local allotment holder, Ian McHugh, has bagged a range of gardening goods after taking part in a Council consultation to find out what people think about allotments. Ian’s prize, which was donated by The Garden Village of Clayton-le-Dale, included lots of things for allotment growing including planters, grow bags, trowel, fork and seeds.

Cllr Ciaran Wells, Cabinet Member for Allotments said; “We’re very grateful to everyone who took part and gave us feedback about allotments. It’s a great pleasure to give Ian his prize, he clearly spends a great deal of time tending and caring for his allotment plot, which is immaculate. I’d also like to thank The Garden Village for kindly donating the prize.

Cllr Wells added; “We’ll use everything allotment holders have told us to form the Council’s strategy for providing and improving allotments in the future. The strategy will be produced next year after more consultation with local allotment associations and the Hyndburn Federation of Allotments. Anyone with a Council allotment still can still find the questionnaire online on the Councils website. Any ideas are welcome”.

Receiving the prize Ian said, “I’ve had the allotment here for four years and really enjoy it, I grow all my own veg all year round and it’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise.”

If you fancy growing your own then the Council still has vacant raised beds in Great Harwood, Oswaldtwistle, and Accrington. Raised beds are very small plots raised by wooden boarding. These are not only suitable for elderly and disabled people, but also for those who just want a very small area to discover the pleasure of growing. The Council also has larger plots available at its allotment site at Meadoway, Queens Road West, and Woodnook Vale.

Call Ian Marfleet, allotment manager at Hyndburn Borough Council on 01254 356180 for further information.