LETTERSFrom J. G. Watson, Newport:
VERY high on the list of worthwhile leisure activities must come gardening. It promotes healthy exercise, mental relaxation, an appreciation of wholesome, fresh organic vegetables and an enduring interest.
This holds true for all age groups — even the very young find excitement and wonder in the miracle of nature. The thrill of eating what they have taken part in growing cures the age old problem of getting them to eat their vegetables.
Allotment communities are notable for their bonhomie, in sharing, helping out and, entertainingly, for friendly rivalry. Nature’s bounty finds its way into the wider community in sharing with family, friends and acquaintances. A plus all round.
This said, I am disappointed at the council’s complete disregard of the needs of a substantial part of the electorate in the provision of more allotments. There is an enormous waiting list for existing allotments and the council has a clear statutory duty to provide allotments to meet the demand. The relevant legislation states these obligations are absolute, in that they admit of no defence, argument or challenge. The council falls over itself to profess it is the greenest of the green in all things considered environmental and you can’t get greener than growing your own vegetables (no air miles for a start).
I am concerned this situation will be seriously worsened in Newport by the Pan Meadows housing project. First phase is given as 846 houses, no doubt with postage stamp gardens for those who have them, bounded by acres of proudly proclaimed parkland for people to wander idly. Surely a piece of this land could be put to better use by creating some new allotments. It would be cheaper for the council too, in that there would be no expensive maintenance as allotments pay for themselves.
Over the years tremendous amounts of money have been spent on the arts, sports, youth and leisure centre. These I am not decrying — I recognise their value to society — but please tell me why allotments are so much the Cinderella of leisure.