Work on the long-awaited Chineham allotments got underway last week after ground was broken by the Mayor of Basingstoke.
A total of 37 allotments are to be constructed on an area of open space off Hanmore Road, between the Basingstoke to Reading railway line and Ajax Close.
As part of the scheme a new access track, water troughs, a toilet and hand washing facilities will also be built. The total cost will be £87,000 – which will come out of developers’ contributions.
The Mayor commented: “Nothing tastes as good as the fresh produce that can be grown on an allotment. There is a waiting list for allotments in the borough and this is one of a number of council projects to ensure as many residents as possible can grow their own produce. In Chineham, the council has been working loosely with the parish council for some time to identify a suitable site for allotments. This marks the culmination of that work.”
Construction is expected to take six to eight weeks to complete, at which point CHineham parish council will allocate plots to residents who have expressed an interest in becoming an allotment holder.
Chairman of Chineham parish council, Chris Tomblin, added: “This is a welcome addition to the recreational facilities available within Chineham. It is a healthy and productive activity to be shared by residents of all ages.”
