Big Falmouth allotments improvement plan needs cash (From Falmouth Packet)

Big Falmouth allotments improvement plan needs cash

4:00pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News

Major improvements are planned at Falmouth’s largest allotment site with a £7,500 grant being sought from the National Lottery to cover part of the costs.

The Falmouth and District Allotments and Gardens Society, which runs the site at Swanvale, is behind the project which will cost around £9,300. The work planned involves a new shed for use by school groups, improved access to water and the site, improved security and extending the existing clubhouse.

The society provides a free plot for teachers to use with pupils from nearby Marlborough School and another for various supervised groups of disabled people and others needing support.

“Presently these groups have a shed of ancient construction made from corrugated iron sheets which is decades old, leaks, is damp, spidery, uninviting and not fit for purpose,” said Dr Robin Waddling, chair of the society. “We would wish to replace this with a new shed which we feel would give them a stronger sense of belonging and a secure home for their tools and personal property.”

With regard to improved access to water and the site, additional standpipes are planned and a new surface drainage channel will be laid across the access path which will be upgraded with the use of stone chippings.

Last November new gates were installed, thanks to a £2,500 grant from The Big Lottery, but additional improvements are needed to boost security of the site. “In the past some of our allotment holders have been subject to break-ins resulting in damage to allotments, sheds, their property and items have been stolen,” said Mr Waddling.

“It has become apparent that all our allotment holders need to feel secure when working on an isolated site. The boundaries along either side of Little in Sight Lane now need to be made more secure.”

Two lengths of green mesh fencing are to be installed, one of which will see the existing hedge grow through it, and the other will be planted with prickly hedgling plants.

The final part of the improvement project involves extending the clubhouse by providing a covered area over the decking area which will make it safer in the winter, offering protection from the elements.

While the society has applied to the Big Lottery’s Awards for All scheme for £7,500, it also asked Falmouth Town Council, which owns the site, for £1,000. Councillors agreed that as landlords they had a responsibility to help out and agreed to the request.