Islington car park to get new life as allotment
By abi_silvester | Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 12:25
Green-fingered Islington residents hoping for a chance to grow some veg this spring will be pleased to hear that a disused car park is to be turned into an allotment, providing the borough with 30 new plots.
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Image: net_efekt on Flickr
Islington Council has announced plans to transform the old car park off Pollard Close and Quemrford Road into allotments as part of its Edible Islington food growing
campaign. The old concrete will be crushed and re-used around the borough, while a rainwater harvesting system on the site will reduce the need for mains irrigation, ensuring the project is as green as possible.
The development will certainly come as good news for those on the current waiting-list, but won't be enough to help the majority, as Islington Now reported last year that the average waiting time for a bit of green space is now greater than an average lifespan (175 years). It also claimed that only two plots in the borough changed hands last year. Perhaps the best that most local residents can hope for is a bit more greenery in a spot that had long been a neglected wasteland.
If you'd still like to apply for a allotment space in Islington, Direct Gov has information here on what you'll need to do.
Comments
People get SO competitive in these allotments. I think it's since the middle classes started getting interested, it's all become a bit trendy for the Tristrams, and of course there's a lot of patronising 'help' offered, and sneering. The old types – gentle chaps who've quietly worked a plot since the 1950s to get away from the wife and family, are wondering where it's all heading.
By GeorgeHA at 16:16 on 24/02/10
ReportWhat good news! Even though I'm not on the waiting list (or green fingered enough to attempt an allotment) great to know that more people will be able to use them.
By amy_islington at 19:01 on 10/02/10
ReportJonas - I guess the need probably hits people harder when they don't have a garden already. Personally I find it hard enough to tend to the plot of green that's right outside my front door, but some people can't get enough of the outdoors!
By abi_silvester at 12:25 on 10/02/10
ReportI've never understood the fascincation with allotments. It's just grass. I have more in my back garden for people who want it or want to pay money for a small section of it.
By JonasGR at 16:04 on 08/02/10
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