Ormskirk allotment society fear council may sell off their site

Jan 17 2013 by Tom Duffy, Ormskirk Advertiser

THE members of an Ormskirk allotment society fear their site may be sold by the council to improve efficiency.

Growers are concerned that Tower Hill allotments could be threatened by West Lancashire borough council’s strategic asset management project.

The review is an attempt by the local authority to market council-owned sites that have increased in value over recent years for development.

Mr Critchley, who has a plot at Tower Hill, contacted the Advertiser earlier this week. He said the plot holders were concerned that the council had earmarked the site for future development.

He told the Advertiser that society members have drawn up a list of seven key concerns and questions for the future, which has been sent to both Derby ward councillors and council officers.

They are:

There have been allotments at Tower Hill since 1969.

There is strong demand in West Lancashire for more allotments not less. Why is West Lancashire’s quota of allotments per capita less than the national average?

Why was the status of Tower Hill changed from permanent to temporary?

The society requests that the council reverse the status back to permanent

Why has there been no public consultation process?

The society requests that they are kept informed regarding the SAMP review .

Mr Critchley said: “The allotments provide a valuable green and healthy resource to all its plot holders and their families, especially during the current austere financial climate we are all experiencing.

“We are a very active society and have invested funds into the site, we would like the above issues to be addressed by the borough council so that we can have the confidence to keep making improvements and investing in Tower Hill allotments.”

Tower Hill allotment society was formed in 2011, with the backing of the council. The allotments stand in the shadow of Tower Hill water tower. In 2008 government inspectors blocked plans to develop the tower in to flats.