Jonathan Todd

Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Jonathan Todd, has welcomed new measures by the Labour government that will help meet rising local demand for allotments.

To help local people access allotments, a national community land bank will be set up to connect land-holders with community groups who want to establish “grown your own” schemes, as well as to provide advice to those involved.

Both public and privately owned land could be turned into fragrant herb gardens, vegetable and flower gardens, including unused land which is owned by councils, NHS and private developers. “Meanwhile leases” will be available to make sure local groups have access to areas whilst development decisions are taking place.

 Mr Todd said:

“This is a great initiative which I encourage groups in Westmorland and Lonsdale to participate in. Many of us can think of areas which are currently unused and with a bit of gardening could be brightened. The Lib Dem controlled SLDC has struggled to turn these areas over to allotments but this initiative will help us go further and faster in meeting local demand for allotments. The site on School Knott in Windermere seems a prime candidate for a “meanwhile lease” and I am keen that this option be taken forward.”  

Local resident Penny Henderson said:

“As a local resident of Windermere I am hoping that I can eventually get an allotment. I belong to local group who are campaigning for land to be released but it is a long and slow process – not months but years! I would welcome any action from the Government to help make this process easier and quicker so that as many people as possible can make a start to grow their own produce.”

 Hilary Benn, Secretary of State at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said:

“Community food growing is a great way for people to get involved in the joys and trials of food production – and we’re pleased that we can help more people grow their own and take it home.”

John Denham, Secretary of State at the Department of Communities and Local Government said:

“From guerrilla gardeners to community growers there is a real keenness to combine 40′s style frugality and 70′s style good life ethics to meet 21st century demands for healthy living, cheaper meals and locally sourced food. More and more people want to grow their own but their efforts can be held up by a shortage of suitable land.

“We also want to support local councils in meeting their duty to provide allotments and new guidance provides practical advice to local councils on how to get the best out of their allotments.”