Michael Wale on why allotments are more valuable than parking space
On and on goes the ugly Berkeley buildings in Bromyard Avenue. Almost daily I get calls from the residents of the flats already sold ( more blocks to come) asking for an allotment, encouraged by the smallest sight of the Acton Gardening association allotments being right beneath their windows.
No growing areas have been provided. So I wrote to the boss of Berkeley Mr Pidgeley, a remarkable man whom I was told liked to deal directly with people. He agreed that a growing area should be provided in their latest part of the Bromyard Avenue development. I was put in touch with Tom Pocock, their land manager, and luckily a farmer’s son, who had chosen office life to the open country, but keeps chickens at home. He has found a site for a community growing area when the latest blocks are finished. I look almost daily to where it is meant to be. I don’t see much sign yet, but will keep them up to their promise. I think that all developers in future should have to provide growing space for their residents. As the oil runs out they will become more valuable than parking space!
Acton Gardening Association Shop - every Sunday 11-1pm on Bromyard Avenue.
The View From The Shed, by Michael Wale is available from Amazon Books
14 May 2011
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