Plot holders' pride as allotments win award

An allotments site developed from derelict landfill has won an award recognising users' commitment to the project.

The efforts of plot-holders in Fenpark, Stoke-on-Trent, have seen the allotments named Best Kept Site in the city, under a council awards programme.

The project has flourished over the past 14 years as part of work by Fenpark Community Group.

Committee secretary, Andrew Buckley, said the group had been praying for the award after years of hard work.

The 22 plots were designed to foster a friendly, considerate community

Mr Buckley said the council offered the land to the community in 2010 with the challenge of finding £17,000 for fencing and additional costs.

“We raised enough funds to open the place up, re-fence it and put all the raised beds in for everybody,” he explained.

The committee has been determined to be self-funded by applying for grants and opening their own cafe and bar to bring in an additional income.

Pauline Beech, who has held a plot for the last 10 years, praised the health benefits of communal gardening.

“It gets you out the house, you’re with people, a bit of fresh air and it keeps you fit,” she said.

Mr Buckley is the licensee of the site’s pub, affectionately named The Muck & Shovel, open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays.

Steve Davis said he brought along his grandson during the school holidays to help him and described the community as brilliant.

“Everybody helps each other. We sit here with fish and chips on a Friday night and have a drink," he said.

His grandson added: “I like coming down. You have more fun than playing on your tablets.”