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Allotment project transforming lives as well as disused land
Posted on 13th September 2016
The Mayor of Stone, Cllr Jim Davies, has praised the efforts of volunteers who’ve transformed a disused piece of land into a thriving community allotment with the help of Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH).
He was amongst the many visitors to the allotments in Priory Road during an open day to mark the success of a project that’s improving the health and wellbeing of local residents whilst helping to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area.
Laura MacPhee, Community Involvement Officer at SARH, explained: “The allotments are part of a wider ‘Growing Health’ project that aims to encourage people to eat more healthily by growing their own vegetables, whilst getting more exercise out in the fresh air.
“In Stone the project has brought the local community together to clean up a plot of disused land that had been attracting fly tipping and other unwanted activity.”
During the open day, which was blessed with some blazing sunshine, allotment holders took part in a wide range of competitions and activities. Categories on the day included largest and smallest vegetable and most unusually shaped produce.
Cllr Davies commented: “It was fantastic to see so many local residents getting involved in such a wonderful project. They’ve done a terrific job in transforming what was a plot of disused land into a valuable community resource.”
In addition to local families, plots on the allotment have been tended by several community groups, including a local youth club, that have been creating wildlife havens.
Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, added: “The allotments in Priory Road follow the success of similar Growing Health projects across Stafford Borough, including the award-winning Meadow Road allotments in Stafford.
“The project has proved a great way to encourage people to grow their own healthy food whilst building a sense of community.”
Pictured during the allotment open day in Priory Road are, left to right, Jayne Smith; Stone Mayor Cllr Jim Davies; Laura MacPhee, SARH Community Involvement Officer; young gardener Dennis Rock and (kneeling) Jane Meyrick from the WhyCH Youth Group.