Allotments set for growth spurt

GREEN-FINGERED folk in Saddleworth will have more opportunities to grow fresh fruit and vegetables in their own allotments.

Councillor Derek Heffernan proposed a motion to support more and better-protected allotments.

The council has a duty to provide allotments and the current 431 plots aren’t enough to meet demand.

Liberal Democrats want the council to identify more potential sites and boost funding to develop them.

Councillor Heffernan said: “We recognise the value of the allotments for healthier lifestyles and the joy of knowing it’s your own-produced fruit and vegetables.

Councillor Dave Murphy seconded the motion, adding: “I appreciate both the health and environmental benefits. Fresh fruit and vegetables can be expensive.”

Protection

The Lib-Dems also wanted statutory status for allotments, to give them future legal protection.

The council unanimously approved the general motion but not the move for statutory status.