A PIECE of overgrown wasteland in Darwen is to be transformed into 40 allotments after a two-year campaign.

The land, off Rose Hill Street, was used as allotments until 1996 but a lack of interest and anti-social behaviour problems resulted in them being closed down.

It is currently overgrown with weeds and brambles.

Now, thanks to a 20-month campaign by local resident Tracy Jones, it will be cleared, fenced and ready to use again for the rising number in the town wanting to grow their own produce.

Tracy, 45, of Somerset Avenue, who has an allotment near her home, said: “In Darwen there has always been a great need for allotments.

“About 20 months ago I started looking for a suitable area because people kept coming to my plot asking how to get one.

“I felt guilty that I had one and other people didn’t.

“I regularly get three people a week knocking on my door, so I knew something had to be done.

"There have been a series of setbacks, but now we have got the nod from the council, I’m delighted.

“It will help people eat healthily, it’ll be good in these difficult economic times, and will draw families together.

"If I have my way we will have people on it by June.”

Elyse Chatterton, who has been keen to get a plot in Darwen, said: “I think it’s fantastic. Tracy has worked very hard on this.

“It’s clear that there is a big list of people in Darwen wanting it.

"It gives people the opportunity to grow their own and to be healthy, which is what we’re being encouraged to do all the time.”

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regen-eration and environment, said: “Rose Hill historically had garden areas but they were closed due to vandalism.

"However, due to an increase in demand it was decided to bring the site back into use, subject to funding being identified.

“The cost of fencing and other works to ensure proper security is more than the current budget allocation for garden areas allows but we are looking at grant options.

“We want to ensure a proper job is done as the site will be prone to vandalism again.

"Once we have firm understanding of grant opt-ions and costs, members will be approached regarding any funding shortfall.”