For many years Fairfield Parish Council (FPC) have been trying to fulfill one of its obligations which is to provide allotments for residents who request them.

Section 23 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 places a duty on local authorities including parish councils (except for inner London boroughs) to provide allotments where they perceive a demand for them in their area. There is however no time constraints within which to provide land.

FPC maintains a list of everyone who has requested an allotment, but up until now has been unable to provide them due to lack of appropriate land.

But, at last, a group within FPC has located an area of land that will be suitable. Some of the land is under the responsibility of Fairfield Park Residents Association (FPRA). The rest of the land needed abuts the FPRA land. An agreement to rent this land from a local farmer finally makes the provision of allotments a distinct possibility.

There is a lot of work to be done to clear the land and provide access, but at last progress is being made.

If you haven’t already registered your interest in renting an allotment or indeed in being part of the allotment developments team, do so now by contacting allotments@fairfield​parish​council.gov.uk