MPs Back Allotments

1.35.40pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 13th Feb 2007

A motion has been placed before parliament (Early Day Motion 842) backing allotment holders and urging councils to honour their statutory obligation in relation to allotments.

Vincent Cable, who is one of the co-signatories of the motion, said that Richmond borough "has a good record of providing and managing allotments. But demand is rising strongly and allotments are now heavily over subscribed with substantial waiting lists. Allotments which were under utilised for a long time like Markhole in Hampton have filled up with enthusiastic new plot holders determined to grow their own produce."

"What is striking from the number and variety of MPs signing the motion is that this phenomenon is not just local but it is being experienced all over the country".