A GROUP of Valley gardeners have lined up prime locations in Rossendale to plant communal fruit and vegetables.

The Incredible Edible campaign has been stepped up as land in Bacup, Haslingden, Rawtenstall and Whitworth is now set to house local produce for Valley communities.

Souta Creagh, who chairs the group, was given the go-ahead to grow peas, herbs, courgettes and fennel next to the bus stop on Bacup Road in Waterfoot last month to mark the first of many steps towards transforming eating habits in Rossendale.

She said: “We want residents to commit themselves.

“It will have benefits for people’s health, by eating fresh locally grown produce, their wellbeing, by getting involved in their community, and help to keep them active and build friendships.

“Stubbylee is being developed as a hort-icultural hub, a place where people can learn new skills and share their own experiences to help others.

“If people like what they sample, we hope it will encourage them to try to grow their own and support local greengrocers.”

Pending backing from the council’s development control committee, which has already supported the early stages of the project, Irwell Terrace in Bacup, Whitworth library and bowling green, Victoria Park in Haslingden and Whitaker Park, Rawtenstall could soon see vegetable patches and fruit orchards.

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School and Alder Grange Community and Technology School have both committed to the initiative whilst residents are urging locals to get on board as volunteers.

Souta added: “We now need people to offer their time to cultivate, plant and maintain the areas helping others to learn new skills and share the growing experience.”

Incredible Edible Rossendale now has more than 60 members and will meet on Wednesday May 19 at Stubbylee Community Greenhouses, Bacup at 7.30pm.