Council posts press release on it's website

Council responds positively to allotments request
Date: 19/11/2008
Responding to a petition for more allotments in Hadfield and Glossop, the Borough Council is due to meet local residents to discuss their request.
Currently, the Council rents out allotment sites in Buxton and Glossop annually, with five self-help allotment sites administered directly by allotment associations, who have their own terms and conditions.
Petitioners have identified that demand is outstripping the supply of allotments in the Glossopdale area.
Jordan Street is the only Council run allotment site in Glossopdale and has a long waiting list. Any other allotment sites in the Borough are privately run or let by Parish Councils
John Haken, Executive Councillor for Environmental Services, said: "The Council has already recognised the importance of access to local allotments in Glossopdale and we sympathise with residents who are on our waiting lists.
"As a Council, we are committed to providing our residents with initiatives that support the community and also contribute to their health and wellbeing -- in this case, growing their own fruit and vegetables.
"For this reason, we will be working closely with the residents to identify possible sites so that. together. we can establish more allotments in the Glossopdale area."
Councillor Haken is currently arranging to meet the petitioners, to discuss their request.

The Campaign Begins

The campaign for more allotments for the residents of Glossopdale has truly started, with an article on page three of the Glossop Chronicle. GAFA presented a petition of 450 signatures to the local council asking for it to fulfil it's legal obligations to provide allotment space for those in the community who require it.

Hopefully this will get people talking and stimulate more 'would be' allotment holders to make their feelings known.

Any comments on the article or the allocation of allotments would be greatly welcomed within the usual parameters of decency of course!

Welcome

Welcome to GAFA - the Glossop Action for Allotments society blog page.The society has gathered together to encourage the local council to address the shortage of allotments that are available to the public. With an estimated population of over 30,000 there are only 7 allotments that can be sourced through the local council.
Current legislation and guidance on allotment provision is summed up by Iain Wright, MP on behalf of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government:“Section 23 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 places a duty on local authorities (except for inner London boroughs) to provide allotments where they perceive a demand for them in their area. Furthermore, ‘Planning Policy Guidance Note 17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation, 2002′ requires local authorities to make provision for all types of open space and requires them to undertake robust assessments of local needs and audits of existing open space, to establish standards for new provision. By implementing the guidance in PPG 17, local authorities should make adequate provision for allotments.” (Hansard 6 May 2008 : Column 737W)Allotments combine physical activity with social interaction, learning and skills, recycling and the production of cheap and healthy food. They contribute to the local informal economy and to the principles of environmental sustainability and biodiversity.
The Government and local council is also keen for us to reduce landfill and reduce our carbon footprint - what better way than to recycle as much household waste as possible as compost and to grow runner beans within walking distance of your front door rather than importing them from Kenya!And what a great education for those with children as well as tackling childhood obesity by encouraging a homegrown and healthy diet!We shall be petitioning the local council, (watch this blog for more information) and will be trying to assert our rights under the Allotments act for space to be granted for the growing of produce.