Ronnie launches Allotment review

2.45.35pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 10th Jul 2009

John Gibson, Lib Dem, Manor Ward, has been campaigning for improved allotment provision in sefton. The demand for allotments has risen dramatically and even the Queen has opened one at Buckingham Palace.

Cllr Gibson renewed his camapign at the Council meeting last night when he asked the cabinet member for Leisure & Tourism Ronnie Fearn this question:

'I welcome the review of allotment provision that Lord Fearn has announced. There is a significant demand for allotments in Hightown, Crosby, Thornton and other areas of Sefton which is not being adequately met.. Will the cabinet member ensure that the review is swiftly carried out and includes:

(1) suitable new permanent sites for allotments;

(2) temporary sites with short-term allotment tenancies on appropriate disused fields owned by the council and other parties;

(3) other measures, such as leasing of private land and an increase in 'half plots' to secure a significant increase in allotments as soon as possible.'

Cllr Fearn welcomed John's qustion and undertook to make sure that the points he has raised would be included in the review.

He went on to say that he wished the review to publish its findings in a bout 8 weeks.