The Mayor of Hailsham Cllr Paul Holbrook has revisited the newest allotment site in Hailsham, which celebrates its 5-year anniversary of opening later this summer.
The allotment site located off Harold Avenue, one of three owned by the Town Council, contains 23 small plots which were allocated to tenants on the allotment waiting list from September 2017.
Plans for the allotment site were given the thumbs up by the Town Council several years ago, resulting from an offer by developer Redrow Homes of an allotment site within their development for 128 dwellings on the land east of Battle Road.
Commenting on the provision of allotments as a vital service offered to the local community, Cllr Holbrook said: “It is often overlooked that there are three different allotment sites in Hailsham maintained by the Town Council, and we should celebrate them all as they are a way for people to keep fit and active and grow their own healthy food.”
“I’m really pleased to be at the Harold Avenue allotments site again today, and I speak on behalf of our proud tenants that having an allotment instils a genuine sense of pride in the community.”
“Allotments are not only a brilliant way of keeping active, but also eating more healthily, helping the environment by reducing food miles, escaping from the hustle and bustle of everyday living and of course, generating a sense of community.”
Councillor Holbrook added: “The Town Council is committed to providing allotment plots to all residents who wish to rent one. We recognise the vital role allotment gardening plays in the local community, for people to grow their own selection of fruit and vegetables whilst serving as a highly rewarding pastime in the process.”
At present, the Council manages 96 plots on three sites: Battle Road (57 plots)Station Road (13 plots) and Harold Avenue (27 plots). Standard plots are 3 or 5 rods in size.
Rental costs are £23.10 per annum for 3-rod size and £39.60 per annum for 5-rod size. A £50 deposit is requested for newly registering plot-holders.
To request being added to the allotment rental waiting list, please contact Karen Giddings (Environment & Planning Officer) on 01323 841702 or email karen.giddings@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk