The scope for town and parish councils to help their communities is huge - so long as they are operating within common law, the only things they are not allowed to do is introduce new forms of taxation or create a new militia.

I'm pleased to say neither of these things are in our plans! Conversely, the legal minimum tasks a town council must undertake is minimal - but one of these is to maintain our level of allotment provision.

This is a throwback to the post-war years, but self-sufficiency is now back on many people's agendas and allotments are a popular investment for many of our residents.

The town council has three allotment sites which provide space to just over 80 allotment holders. We currently have a waiting list for vacant plots which proves the demand which has increased since the pandemic.

Some plots are "hobby plots" which holders use to get outdoors and meet up with their allotment neighbours while growing produce and or flowers, other plots are incredibly efficient and offer a high yield for their growers.

Whatever the level of usage, as a council, we are keen that all holders keep their plots neat and tidy, and respect the overall ethos of the sites.

Bright and early last Friday morning saw a number of councillors attend our sites to judge the allotments for our annual competition.

As always, the quality was deemed very high and we look forward to announcing the winners soon!

As I mentioned, we do have a waiting list for new allotments but if you would like to get on the list or make further enquiries about our facilities, please pop into the council office on Park Road (Tuesday to Thursday) or drop an email to: [email protected]

Until next time,

Matt Harrison