Charity is growing concern as gardening plots are expanded
A BATLEY-based charity that grows produce for the community and supports a local food bank is to take on a one-acre plot of land to expand its activities.
The Hamm-Damm Foundation uses Manor Gardens, between Woodfield Avenue and Manor Way, to grow food in polytunnels as part of a community garden.
The site in Staincliffe is to be transferred via an asset transfer agreed by Kirklees Council’s decision-making Cabinet.
It will contain a restrictive covenant ensuring community use.
The foundation, which promotes public health, learning and social inclusion through gardening and horticultural activity, took on the land in 2016. Before that time it was overgrown and unused.
As well as providing produce to its association, the foundation supports the local food bank with fruit and vegetables grown at Manor Gardens.
The garden hosts community events including the annual Great Get Together inspired by the late Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox and acts as a hub for local people.
Organisers plan to put a modular building on the land, along with toilets, to provide workshop space.
Securing a long leasehold of 125 years on the site means the foundation will be able to bid for grant funding to widen its activities.
Council officers said making the asset transfer promoted the social well-being of the area.
Senior councillor Graham Turner said Manor Gardens was “a great example of what a community can do when it works together to achieve its goal.”
He added: “This facility provides a space for community activities, helps people grow their own food, provides residents with healthy outside activities, and also supports the local food bank.
“The Hamm-Damm Foundation have over recent years made a real difference to a piece of land that had little value.
“They have been successful in securing funding to not only improve the site over recent years but have secured funding to improve the site even more in the coming years.”