MSP WELCOMES MORE ALLOTMENT SITES FOR THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND (Jim Hume)

MSP WELCOMES MORE ALLOTMENT SITES FOR THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND

October 27, 2008 12:00 AM

Jim Hume, MSP for the South of Scotland, has today welcomed news that the Scottish Government is looking into measures which will increase allotment provision across Scotland.

The Scottish Government as part of its national food policy has announced that it wants to make more land available to local authorities through talks with public bodies.

Jim Hume said:

"Allotments are of huge benefit to our health and wellbeing. They've become hugely popular as the financial squeeze has tightened its grip, and as people continue to struggle with the cost of living and food prices. They're particularly important in areas where people don't have access to their own garden and it's crucial that if more green space can be made available for this purpose, everything is done to make that happen.

"As part of the Scottish Government's commitment to local food within its national food policy, I want to see a real and tangible plan of action which will create allotment space in the South of Scotland but which will also support and help local authorities to facilitate that provision.

"There are roughly 3,000 people on waiting lists for an allotment in Scotland and whilst it is the case that local authorities have a duty to provide allotment space where there is a proven need, that is of course totally dependent on what resources are available at any given time.

"Some local authorities are already trying to cope with difficult financial pressures and therefore we need to know what measures the Scottish Government will put in place so that councils can achieve better allotment provision - what mechanisms will be employed to make allotment space available, how much will it cost local authorities and will there be help from central government?

"I'm seeking further clarification from Ministers on these points."

Jenny Mollison, of the Scottish Allotments and Gardens Society, added:

"Allotment gardening is first and foremost about growing one's own food for one's family and friends. Home grown food is healthy, fresh, pesticide-free and seasonal. There are also wider social, environmental and health benefits to be gained from working an allotment plot."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Jim Hume lodged a series of Parliamentary Questions, details below.

To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms it will implement within the context of the national food policy to make land available to local authorities for use as allotment space where there is a proven need and desire for such a provision in any given area.

To ask the Scottish Executive how much land could potentially be made available to local authorities within the South of Scotland for use as allotment space where there is a proven need and desire for such a provision.

To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance and other general support will be offered to local authorities looking to increase allotment provision in their respective areas.

To ask the Scottish Executive what work is currently being undertaken in conjunction with local authorities and other bodies to increase allotment provision in the South of Scotland.