Funding to give people a taste of allotments
ARUNCORN gardening and allotment project has been awarded funding by Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner David Keane.
The scheme is to be run by the Halton Speak Out group and will give residents the chance to grow their own produce and interact.
Project aims include bringing together gardening hobbyists from across the generations, young and old, to established a green oasis and reduce loneliness and isolation following months of lockdown.
Brookvale Community Centre will taking part in launching the project alongside other activities for residents as Covid-19 lockdown eases, as part of the venue’s goal of becoming a hive of activity.
A spokeswoman for Mr Keane’s office said funding will buy a shed, fencing and tools and also kickstart the project with seed, plants and compost.
The community centre, based on Northwich Road in Runcorn, is also planning to establish a community pantry to support families in hardship and they hope to grow produce in the allotment to be donated to those in need.
Mal Hampson, representing the group, said:
“We know this is going to make an enormous difference to people living in the area. “We are very thankful to PCC David Keane for the funds and will ensure they make a big impact.
“Some of those wanting to be involved in the project have already been to the centre to paint the fences ahead of the first group meeting.
“So, I would say this is having an immediate effect”.
Commissioner Keane said: “Community groups like this provide a vital support network to many residents in Cheshire.
“The pandemic has resulted in people losing that support and becoming isolated at home.
“Halton Speak Out is working hard to think differently about the support they can offer in these challenging times and how they stay connected.
“I am so pleased to be able to reinvest money taking from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act and enable projects like this to make a positive and valuable difference.”