A plot twist for allotment sites

ANGELA Rayner's decision to allow cash-strapped councils in several English counties to sell off allotment sites has shocked the nation.

- By Deborah Stone

Even former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has criticised the Deputy Prime Minister's ruling. So it's good to hear that at least one development company is actually providing land for allotment societies to enable local residents already on waiting lists the opportunity to grow their own fruit and veg.

Depending on construction phases, Bloor Homes will or is providing allotment space near developments in Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall and Essex.

In Oriel Gardens, a collection of two, three and four-bedroom houses in Faringdon, Oxfordshire, Bloor Homes has already handed over 26 new allotments, three accessible raised flower beds and a public orchard to local residents.

The allotment places are not simply given to new residents but are for people already on Faringdon Town Council's waiting list.