National praise for allotment group
A LOCAL allotment association have been recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) as part of the annual Britain in Bloom competition.
West Marsh Allotment Association (WMAA) volunteers to help manage the allotments in the ward and encourage local residents to get involved. The Royal Horticultural Society It’s My Neighbourhood level 4 certificate has been awarded in recognition of the group’s ongoing work with the allotment holders and outside groups, including community payback and VANEL to build a better community. Wayne Smith, Chair of the West Marsh Allotment Association, said: “This is a very proud moment for us as a group. We’ve put a lot of hard work and effort into bringing the community closer to the allotments, increasing engagement and building a sense of togetherness.
“The Association have worked on various match-funded projects and hosted the West Marsh Summer Fayre earlier this year to raise awareness of the allotments and encourage local residents to get involved.
“We have done some incredible work over the last 5-years to make the allotment plot more family and community orientated. We want to change the perception that allotments are just for the older community. This approach has paid dividends for us – when we started 5-years ago we has 20 vacant plots, now we have a waiting list.
“This is all part of the RHS judging, and we’re very pleased to say that we have been awarded a level 4 certificate. The highest is level 5, so that’s our target for next year!”
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I’m thrilled for the residents of the West Marsh, and particularly to those involved in the WMAA. The group are involved in lots of projects to encourage engagement to make their site a community allotment. They’re also involved in the Safer Streets project, which is aimed at improving community cohesion whilst working together to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.
Information about taking on an allotment plot can be found by visiting www.nelincs.gov.uk/allotments, emailing alloments.enquiries@ nelincs.gov.uk or calling (01472) 324646, option 4.