| LADAS needs you! |
| December 07 2009 12:46:35 |
The Linlithgow and District Allotment Society (LADAS) has been working hard for over a year to try to find land for allotments in the Linlithgow area and
the campaign now needs a shot in the arm.
The group was formed as a result of early meetings of Linlithgow Climate Challenge, and in 2008 LADAS had 122 members, became constituted and presented a written Proposal to West Lothian Council, officially requesting allotments in Linlithgow. There has never been a tradition of allotments in Linlithgow, and unfortunately there is very little suitable Council owned land available.
However, Councils are legally obliged to provide allotments for local residents, where there is sufficient demand. A team from WLC was set up and together we have investigated three sites: Kettilstoun (field beyond leisure centre), Doomsdale (rough ground to East of Linlithgow Bridge Primary School) and Beecraigs (location tbc). However a large part of the leisure centre site is ring-fenced for future rugby pitches, and a new road access from the Lanark Road has been ruled out. A long access route via the leisure centre would cost £281k. Parking, traffic congestion and contamination issues at Doomsdale have ruled this out and consultants involved with Beecraigs will not be presenting their proposals for land use until the end of this year. In addition, Beecraigs might not be the ideal site for growing vegetables.
Which means that we need to widen our net if we are to achieve an allotment site locally. We would therefore be very interested to know of any small areas (approx 3-5 acres) of good agricultural land which might be for sale or available on a limited tenancy basis (lease) on the outskirts of town. We would also be extremely grateful if any members of the LBA with a legal background would be able to volunteer to help us communicate our case to the Council.
The idea of land share – people whose gardens have become too large for them sharing with energetic vegetable growers – has been suggested. This would be a really worthwhile venture for some people but the majority of our members have indicated that it would not be their preferred option.
Allotments provide so many benefits to communities – fresh produce, outdoor exercise, an effective antidote to depression, supporting wildlife, reducing food miles and packaging, educational benefits, as well as forming links across our community. LADAS members are desperate to get digging, but every month that slips away makes 2010 less likely – so we are appealing for help from our local business community to help us to make this happen.
Please email linlithgowallotments@yahoo.co.uk if you can help, or call LADAS Chair, Kirsty Leonard, on 01506 848427
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