Growing problems of the allotment waiting list

THE number of Oldhamers waiting for an allotment has doubled over the last two years.

A total of 227 would-be allotmenteers are patiently waiting for a plot to become available on one of the 18 council-run sites across the borough.

But the length of the list means some will have to wait years before getting their own piece of land.

Glenn Dale, principal countryside and horticulture officer, admitted the waiting list had jumped considerably, but said people who had allotments often held on to them for many years.

The “grow-your-own” trend is becoming increasingly popular, accelerated by the recession and a drive for healthy eating and organic produce.

Nationally, latest figures show 91,500 people are on the waiting list for an allotment on 150,000 council plots.

It represents a 15,000 jump to the waiting list since last June, and the average wait is more than three years.

Some gardeners, however, are not so lucky, with the severe shortage forcing some into waits of up to 40 years in parts of the country.

In Oldham, the council is currently carrying out an allotments review which could release more land to turn into plots.

Mr Dale explained it involved looking at council-owned land which is currently unused, and considering if it is suitable to turn into allotments.

He also said steps were being taken to help people realise the level of commitment they were taking on with an allotment.

The scheme, which is still being developed, could see a “training plot” set up in the borough to help people learn some gardening skills as they reach the head of the waiting list, and to give them an idea of the intensity of work necessary to keep an allotment in tip-top condition.