New allotments grow more popular

Tending an allotment is a growing habit in Walberton.

The first crops from the parish council's 28 plots are being enjoyed by the holders.

More want to join them in the grow your own pastime which has seen runner beans, French beans, courgettes, potatoes and carrots among the crops produced.

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Allotment association chairman Brian Bailey said: 'There's nothing like eating your own vegetables. You can pick them and eat them a few hours later. They smell different and they taste different from anything you buy in the shops.'

The allotments were created by Walberton Parish Council in response to public demand in the past few years. It became apparent to councillors that villagers wanted to rent the plots.

Chairman Robert Baly seized the mood to drive forward the scheme. The village had just four allotments run by Arun District Council.

But Arun had no spare land for any more. The county council was also unable to help.

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The parish council turned to landowner Derek Page who agreed to rent out a field along Yapton Road which had been uncultivated for three years.

It took just three months for the project to take shape and the first allotment holders to move on to the half-plot areas. Each measures about 15m by 15m.

The hot weather in April caused some difficulties in the early weeks, especially as the site lacked a water supply. It is just about to be fitted by the parish council.

But the keen growers have proved that enthusiasm goes a long way. Life-long gardener Mr Bailey said the interest in the scheme was surprizing.

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'We were amazed to get all 28 allotments occupied in just three weeks. We also have three people on a waiting list. Most of the people are new to allotments and they have coped very well. I think the interest is due to the fact that there has been a lot on television in the past two years about fresh vegetables and growing your own.'

Parish council clerk Ray Huskisson said: 'The idea for the allotments came from one of the councillors after one or two people said it would be a good to have them. It became apparent that a lot of people would want one. The council has a duty to provide services like allotments.'

The council ploughed and cultivated the land hired from Mr Page and put up a rabbit-proof fence. It also arranged for tree warden John Heathcote to plant a line of oaks and field maples along one side of the allotments.

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