Layton Allotments Open Day - 25/07/10

Yesterday I visited a local allotment open day at Layton. All-in-all it was a well organised fund raising event held by the kind volunteers and committee members of Layton allotments. There was various stalls, fresh fruit and veg for sale, live jazz and plenty of plot holders on standby to offer their advice and tips. There is another open day event being held on the 1st August at Lawson Road allotments for anyone interested in 'growing their own' or to simply have a nose and show your support.

Blackpool Allotments

Reading a recent copy of the local Gazette, this reader gave his thoughts on the allotment situation in Blackpool. "Inspirational allotments - Ever since watching River Cottage on TV, I have been inspired to 'grow my own', surprisingly enough at the unlikely age of 25. For the past year I've been growing in small pots, I recently decided to apply to several allotments in the area. I was saddened by the long waiting lists of anything between three and four years. Blackpool clearly has a shortage of plots. There are many benefits which come with this pastime. It gets people outside enjoying nature, exercise, gives a sense of achievement, well-being, reduces stress and is great for the community. Just a simple addition of more plots or allotment sites would give so much to Blackpool. Think of them as outdoor community centres, no bricks needed! name and address supplied."

Good on the boy I say, this is the day and age of couch potatoes and youths sitting down watching television with their 'tv dinners' or playing their computer games in what I perceive as very unhealthy and unsociable lifestyles which does little to promote cohesion within our local communities or society as a whole. It is good to hear this young man describes taking his interest 'at the unlikely age of 25' by growing his own but does not have enough space. I too have to agree with him that I am saddened to hear of waiting lists of up to 3 years across most of Blackpool's allotments.

I think there is something here which Blackpool could build on further, it could become a leader in promoting good healthy lifestyles and has already demonstrated that it is committed to doing so. The town recently deployed a 'Pay as you Go' cycle scheme which is great for visitors and locals alike, hubs are located at key points across the resort. It has fantastic sports facilities and a spectacular lengthy promenade, the beautiful Stanley Park Gardens and Marton Mere wildlife sanctuary. Why not add to that list and give the people of Blackpool the opportunity to grow their own and encourage people of all ages within it's communities to get stuck in. The health benefits from this pastime are great and like the land itself should be reaped. Scattered across the town there are many overgrown and unused spaces which could be used, so why do we not do something about the shortage of plots, 3 years waiting lists say there is clearly a call for it!