NEGLECTED SALFORD ALLOTMENT SITE BACK IN BLOOM

A neglected allotment site in Salford will soon be back in bloom thanks to a helping hand from housing association Salix Homes.

The allotment site on Heath Avenue, Lower Broughton – once home to a popular community growing project – had lay untouched for more than two years during the pandemic, becoming overgrown with weeds and brambles.

Now, a team of volunteers from Salix Homes have rolled up their sleeves to clear the site and restore it to its former glory, bringing it back into community use.

Sue Sutton, chief executive at Salix Homes, was part of the team that helped with the clean-up operation. She said:

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“The allotments were once a thriving hub of activity in Lower Broughton and a fantastic community asset, so it’s been a real shame to see them left unused and neglected in recent years.

“Previously, the allotments were a community-led project, but as volunteer support to manage the initiative waned, the site has sadly been neglected. The pandemic has not helped matters, during which time the site lay untouched, becoming wildly overgrown and a bit of an eyesore.

“We’re determined to restore the allotments back to their former glory, providing local people with the opportunity to grow their own produce and provide a sustainable food source – and we can’t wait to see people enjoying this fantastic facility once again.”

 

The allotments were first opened back in 2014, having received funding from Salix Homes, as a community growing scheme providing members with large mobile planters to grow their own produce.

It’s located on a ‘meanwhile site', owned by Salford Council, which is an empty piece of land that can be used for a community project until future development begins.

Salix Homes staff cleared over one tonne of weeds, shrubbery and rubbish from the site during a recent clean-up day, while partner contractors Emanuel Whittaker and Truline Construction donated netting to secure the planters.

Going forward, Salix Homes, which owns more than 8,000 homes across Salford, will now manage the site on behalf of the community.

People will be able to sign-up to adopt one of the 85 mobile planters available, where they’ll be able to grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers. It’s also hoped to run community activities at the site in the future.

To register your interest in adopting a planter at the allotment site, please contact enquiries@salixhomes.co.uk