FORMER Olympic gymnast Craig Heap has unveiled plans to create 1,000 allotments for people in Burnley and Pendle.

The one-time British champion wants to provide the allotments on a 30-acre site he owns close to the farm where he grew up, in Greenhead Lane, Reedley Hallows.

Earlier this year it was revealed that people in the Burnley borough face a seven-year wait for allotments.

The figures showed that around 385 people were waiting for one of the borough’s 312 plots to come available.

Craig, 38, believes the Greenhead Allotments project will help ease the shortage across Burnley and Pendle and encourage people to engage in a healthier lifestyle.

The former Barden High School pupil said he came up with the idea after visiting a similar-but-smaller project in Newcastle, where he now lives.

He said: “There is a desperate need in Burnley and in Pendle, where people from as far away as Earby and Colne have already asked about the plots.

“Also, this is something the Government is pushing as part of the Big Society and the Royal Family is backing it as well.”

In 2008, after using his life-savings to buy the site, Craig saw an ambitious bid to build a £2million national gymnastics school on the green belt land thrown out by Pendle Council.

He said: “I am very appreciative of the countryside because of my farming background.

“I know we have to protect the green belt land and that we can’t create an eyesore on the landscape."

Since retiring from competitive sport Craig has worked as a mentor across the country for the youth sports trust.

The Greenhead Allotments project is a joint venture with Paul Bowler, his best friend and ex-team-mate.

Each plot will be approximately 100 square-metres and available to rent for around £25 per month.

A water supply will be made available and there will be a one-off joining fee of £50.

Burnley Council charges £16 per year and Rossendale Council £26 per year.

Coun Jeff Sumner said: “There is a big demand for allotments and this could help reduce the waiting list in the area."

Craig said he will be sitting down with town hall planners in Pendle before submitting an application for the project in the next month or so.

If the plans are approved, the scheme could be up and running within the next six months.

To enquire about renting a plot go to the website below.