An ambitious plan to convert two acres of unused allotments into recreational facilities was launched today.

Great Wakering parish council has been concerned about the increase in the number of empty plots - more than half in the west side of Little Wakering Hall Lane.

Change of use - Harry Morris surveys the derelict allotment land Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

Parish council clerk Harry Morris said: "People in this area have been getting older and each year we lose more people. For every five we lose we get three.

"Younger people haven't got the time or perhaps the inclination - it takes time and effort to do gardening and people are busy."

The council offered 13 allotment holders alternative plots and they received a reply from 12 - nine who were willing to move and three who gave up for other reasons.

The council wrote to the Government Office of the East of England for permission to change to use of land to recreational purposes.

The council now wishes to lease the land and is inviting local organisations with community projects to apply.

Mr Morris said: "Rather than leaving it as unused land we want to put it to good use. I'm sad that we are losing some allotments, but we are looking forward to people making better use of what could be derelict land and provide new amenities for the village."

Published Wednesday, February 5, 2003

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