Stafford and Rural Homes

October 1, 2008

Residents of Silkmore and Rickerscote in Stafford are enjoying a mini harvest festival of their own after breathing new life into a disused allotment plot.

Earlier this year, the derelict site on Exeter Street had become a magnet for litter, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour. However just five months after the land was reclaimed by the local community, it has yielded a healthy crop of home grown vegetables, including potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, courgettes, beans, cauliflower, leeks and onions.

Some of the green fingered entrepreneurs had had little growing experience before getting involved in the project. However, like ‘re-born allotment holder’ Maureen Hall they are all enjoying the excitement and satisfaction of seeing their hard work come to fruition this Autumn.

Maureen, a retired computer trainer, is one of the regulars at the project and has even started a newsletter to help spread the word around the local community.
“I had an allotment many years ago in Penkridge but because of work and family commitments I couldn’t keep it up” she said. “I was telling a friend how I’d love to have another go now I have more time and she told me that a local group of people were getting these allotments going again so I got in touch straight away.”

“It’s a great way to keep fit and healthy and there’s nothing in the world to compare with the taste of fresh vegetables you’ve grown yourself.”

“It’s really satisfying seeing the produce growing and there’s plenty of free advice available from some of the more experienced growers” said Maureen, whose vegetables only have to travel yards from her plot to her kitchen on Exeter Street.

“Most supermarket fruit and veg has travelled hundreds of miles before it reaches the shelves” she said. “Growing your own is fun and not only reduces your carbon footprint but saves money on the weekly shopping bill. It’s a fantastic project to be part of.”

The transformation is the work of Exeter Street Community Allotment Project for the Environment (ESCAPE). It was set up by the Rickerscote Tenants and Residents Association and is chaired by Neighbourhood Police Officer, Stewart Bishop, who is also one of the allotment holders.

Stewart said: “It’s hard to believe, standing here now, how much the site has changed since we started digging it over in May. It’s now thriving again with all 10 allotments taken up and plans taking shape for a community garden next year, subject to funding.

“We’ve had tremendous support from the local community as well as county councillors and our local MP David Kidney” he added. “A whole range of organisations are supporting us as well including the Allotment Association, Stafford and Rural Homes, B&Q, our borough and county councils, BBC Breathing Places, Staffordshire Police and Silkmore Partnership for Youth.”

ESCAPE have recently applied for funding from Staffordshire County Council to buy two lockable sheds and some gardening tools. “We need £900 and the bids are being decided by a public vote” said Stewart, “so we need as many people as possible to vote for us. All the details are on our website: www.escape.btik.com.”

“We’d also be keen to hear from anyone wishing to get involved in the project or support us in other ways.”