Cross Houses Community Allotments have recently been able to improve their facilities thanks to a grant of £15,000 from Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council. The allotments were the former kitchen garden of Cross Houses Hospital which used to occupy the site but which has now been developed for housing.
The interest in allotments is strong and the plots with their unique history have much to offer the local community whether they be living in social housing, flats or private homes with tiny gardens. The grant money has been used to restore access paths, which will allow access for people of all levels of ability and will result in a lower maintenance garden. Two new benches have been purchased for use of the wider community as well as plot holders. Landscaping has meant that formerly inaccessible areas have become new plots and a new noticeboard will be used to publicise plot availability and special event
Councillor Claire Wild who has been involved in the project said, “The whole Parish will have the opportunity to enjoy the amenity that the allotments offer to us, an Oasis in the midst of our Village. The project has involved a lot of careful planning to recreate the original Victorian garden feel and this is down to all the hard work of Cameron who has given up a lot of her time for this Parish project and she deserves all the credit. I am absolutely delighted with the high standard of work from our local Contractor Gary Pearce who has worked closely with Cameron on the project and together they sourced materials from far and wide to ensure we created a Victorian feel to our project. I would also like to thank SABC for our grant and also their assistance in the project.”
Portfolio member for Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council Charles Armstrong said “said “As part of the capital program of SABC we support fund not only external organisations but also strive to help our own ward Councillors support and improve their wards. The work Claire has put into this project deserves the capital support of the council to deliver this much valued community project in Cross Houses."
The Cross Houses Allotment-holders Group Secretary and Project Co-ordinator Cameron Moffett, who has been a driving force in the project and who is a keen plot holder said “There is a strongly increased demand for allotments nationally. Here in Cross Houses we have received a great deal of help and support with the preservation and improvement of the allotments, because everyone who sees Cross Houses Allotments understands how special it is. Over the last six years Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council have helped us with grant aid and advice. We’ve also had funding from the Lottery and Berrington Parish Council. These latest improvements were supported by Daniel Kawczynski, MP and the Shropshire Parks and Gardens Trust. Now that we have upgraded our infrastructure, it is the satisfaction of growing your own food in such an interesting and attractive garden that will ensure the future of these allotments.’
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