Barrowby allotments in line for improvements

A raft of improvements around the popular Barrowby allotments will help keep the 50-plus plots up to scratch for years to come.

Allotment holders will benefit from a £250 ward member grant from South Kesteven District Councillor Pam Bosworth, whose ward covers Barrowby.

Coun Bosworth said: “These allotments are an important resource for the area and cost many thousands of pounds in upkeep and improvements.

“As well as maintaining hedges and adding storage space, the [allotments] association wants to launch a new project around the orchard, and perhaps offer a fruit juicing facility for villagers in the future.

“I’m pleased to have been able to help the gardeners with their hobby.”

Nigel Jones, chairman of the Barrowby Gardeners’ Association, said: “We’re hoping to put in place a series of site improvements here, including security and storage.

“The parish council is hoping to get the car park resurfaced, and we’re already improving the boundary hedges and looking into new storage facilities.

“It all costs money – even buying a new padlock for the gate can be £100. So we’re very grateful for this grant from Coun Bosworth.”

The gardening plots were set up on land beside The Drift in the 1970s and are currently enjoying a surge in popularity – and use – as locals enjoy a touch of the ‘good life’ growing their own crops.

The site has 52 plots and 71 plot holders. There is also a healthy social side to the allotments, with the village show, a barbecue, the allotment shop and a recent Christmas drinks social at the allotments helping raise much-needed funds.

Pictured: South Kesteven District Councillor Pam Bosworth (centre) with Barrowby Gardeners’ Association chairman Nigel Jones and secretary Julia Miller.