Wasteland reborn as allotment heaven

Craig Watkins has turned St Chad's Allotment in Pattingham into a flourishing site after discovering it had lain bare since first being used in 1884.

The 32-year-old, who lives in the village and works as an assistant tree officer for South Staffordshire Council, reopened the site last month. It is off Newgate and has 44 plots, all of which have been taken up by eager villagers.

Eighteen more gardeners are on a waiting list all hoping to start their own patches.

Now the keen gardeners are busy growing a range of produce including runner beans, cabbages, potatoes and fruit bushes.

Craig said: "I was looking for an allotment but they all had waiting lists and my garden was not big enough.

"I contacted the parish council who told me about this plot and it just snowballed from there. We've been very lucky."

Back in 1884 the site was known as Poor's Land. It is owned by the nearby St Chad's Church and run by a committee of eight.

The land is one of many prize allotments across the region to enjoy a surge in interest as people embark on growing their own produce.

Craig, chairman of St Chad's Allotment Committee, continued: "People are trying to save money and grow their own veg rather than buy expensive food from supermarkets.

"Everybody's really happy with it and the weather has been great, it's fantastic.

"The committee has been really enthusiastic and supportive."

Craig is planning to hold a sunflower competition this year and has applied to the National Lottery's Awards For All grants scheme for help with supplying the allotment with a shed and tools.

Fans of allotments say, particularly in the current economic climate, they are a great source of affordable healthy food, as well as a good way of keeping fit and meeting people. Nine allotment sites in the city are self-managed by allotment holders, with a site committee that establishes the setting of appropriate rent.