10:33am Thursday 19th November 2009
By Alex Willmott
KEEN gardeners are hoping to celebrate their centenary by securing new allotments in the heart of the Rossendale Valley.
Green-fingered enthusiasts from Edenfield Horticultural Society are looking to create plots on the edge of Turn recreation ground.
New president, Edenfield borough councillor Ann Cheetham, is petitioning Rossendale Council to partition off the land as part of a number of projects to mark the society’s 100th birthday.
Another initiative being promoted by the society will see packets of bulbs distributed to householders along Market Street, to make the main route a riot of colour in summer.
Coun Cheetham said: “It is quite a large recreation ground and while there is a playing field there is plenty of room there.
“We would only be looking for around six plots or so.
“But we have got some very keen people, including one or two who have recently moved to Edenfield.
“There is a long waiting list for allotments, especially the ones at Edgeside. And they would not be suitable for people without a vehicle.
“But if we could have our own land and put some little sheds up then that would be ideal. That is what we will be asking the borough for.”
The society has already seen some of its hard work come to fruition this autumn following the Armistice Day commemorations.
Members are responsible for the upkeep of Edenfield Memorial Gardens and Coun Cheetham was pleased her colleagues rose to the occasion.
Coun Cheetham said that if the bulbs scheme was successful it would create a similar effect to that currently achieved by residents in nearby Stubbins, who regularly enter regional horticultural competitions.
“It really is all about trying to make people feel that little bit better about themselves.
“We are also on the lookout for new members and it would be great if we got another 100 for our centenary year,” she added.
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