Facelifts given to two Walsall community gardens popular with residents
A raft of improvements at two popular community allotments in Walsall to the delight of the gardeners using them.
The work at the sites off Broad Lane in Bloxwich and Blakenall Lane in Blakenall have been paid for with the help of the the Government’s Town Deal as part of efforts to regenerate local neighbourhoods and create healthier, more connected communities.
At Broad Lane Allotments, the driveways have been given a new surface to improve accessibility for plot holders and visitors. New standpipes, a shed and a new perimeter fence have been installed. A key feature of the upgrade is the construction of a new communal cabin, which offers a warm and welcoming space for members to relax, take shelter in poor weather, and connect with one another.
With comfortable seating and a shared indoor area, the cabin is expected to strengthen the sense of community encouraging social interaction, knowledge sharing for gardeners of all experience levels.
At Blakenall Lane Allotments, there is a resurfaced driveway to make the site safer and easier to navigate. New metal fencing has been installed and a metal storage shed has been built for plot holders.
Chairman of the North Walsall Allotment Association, Andy Bevan said: “I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in all the work that has been done on both sites. The new driveways have made the allotments more accessible for the elderly and anyone with disabilities, and the tearoom has also enabled the community to come together.
"A big thank you to the council’s healthy spaces community officer, Mark Hickman, whose work on these projects has been greatly appreciated by all plot holders.”
Walsall's leisure chief Councillor Gary Flint said: “Walsall’s allotments are treasured by local residents, especially those without outdoor space of their own. These sites are more than just places to grow food -they’re spaces where people can socialise, unwind, and improve their mental and physical wellbeing.
"By investing in better communal facilities and infrastructure, we’re helping more people access the benefits that allotment gardening offers.”
Other improvements were completed at Grenfell Road in Little Bloxwich and Sneyd allotments near New Invention earlier this year. The borough has a number of traditional allotments with tenant plots and community gardens which are run by voluntary groups or charities.
