Gardeners take the reins at Wirral’s newest allotments

Apr 6 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

GARDENERS have taken the reins at Wirral’s newest allotments.

Wirral Council officially handed over the land behind Coronation Buildings to Gilroy Road Community Allotment Society (GRCAS) on Saturday.

It follows two years of hard work to develop the site, which was previously used for grazing horses.

It is hoped it will eventually boast a picnic area, communal orchard and classroom alongside the 40 new plots.

Chairman Richard Hill said: “Finally we have negotiated a lease from the local authority which allows us to take over the land and develop it into a lively site.”

Wirral Councillors David Elderton and Geoff Watts attended on Saturday to oversee the handover.

Also present were members of the society and staff from Wirral Council who have helped develop the site.

More than 500 people in Wirral are currently on the waiting list for an allotment plot and there are fewer sites available in west Wirral.