Pilrig park saved

The finalised city Allotments Strategy is set to go to committee for approval on the 27th of July. In the draft strategy it was suggested that new allotments be created in parts of both Pilrig Park and St Marks Park.

In our consultation response we argued that these public green spaces were both highly valued by local residents and that the council should consider other areas for new allotments. We suggested that the council might consider Craigentinny golf course, or indeed parts of the docks - where greenspace of any kind is sorely lacking.

Therefore we're pleased to see that the finalised strategy rules out Pilrig Park as potential site for new allotments. Sadly, St Marks Park is set for 'more public consultation' on whether part of it should be converted for allotments, so we'll be sure to let you know when that one comes out.

Also, we've just received the FEDEGA newsletter, where there is a bit of a debate about the proposed price rises for plot holders. The annual rental of a full plot is set to rise 100% in five years to £100 - with the council set to make a net 'profit' from allotment holders by 2012.

One respondent from Craigentinny asks, "In a time of deep recession what service requires such an astronomic rise? Apparently allotment rents do!"

What do you think? Should the council subsidise the costs of running allotment sites? Or should plot holders pay more? Will the cost increases lead to allotmenteering becoming a middle class pursuit?

Comments

[Andy Reynolds]

I'm extremely worried that the cost of renting an allotment will put many people off - £100 is not easy to find when you're on a low income or on benefits or retired. I'm still on the waiting list myself. Part of the attraction is definitely the chance to garden, but it's also about being able to eat healthily at a good price, and that equation is destroyed when you factor in £100 rental. There is definitely a case for the Council actively subsidising allotments, but your article suggests the complete opposite, that the Council will actually make a profit once the price rises have gone through. Remember that if allotment space is taken out of the public parks, the Council will also be saving on maintenance cost for the parks, with much less grass to cut. If this has to go through there should at least be a waiver of rent for those on low incomes.

Have to admit that personally I would be quite happy to see more allotments in St Marks Park - it's a part of the park which isn't used as much as the main section and it would help my chances of getting an allotment on my doorstep! But selfish considerations apart, I totally agree that the basic principle should be that the public parks are protected and new allotment space is found elsewhere. The idea of having new allotments in the docks area sounds great. And there should be much higher priority given to creating allotment space within new housing developments.