New community allotments – the first in Liverpool for many decades – could be created as a result of the move of two schools.
A site has been identified for Redbridge and Bank View High Schools to move from the current homes, both in Sherwooods Lane Fazkerley.
The schools, which cater for pupisl with learning difficulties, have an increased demand for places but cannot be extended on their present sites. It is hoped that they can move to new premises in 2015.
The new site, in Long Lane, at one time housed allotments but has not been used since 1998 and has become overgrown. The ground conditions are poor for allotments and there are a number of alternative allotment sites nearby, which either have no waiting list or small numbers waiting for plots.
The city council has met with the Association of Liverpool Allotments who, while recognising that there was formerly little or no demand for allotments at the Long Lane site has recommended that they be replaced with plots at in an area of the city where there is a higher demand.
Part of the Park Hill Road recreation ground, in the Dingle, has now been identified as a potential site for community allotments
“This is an area where there is a high demand for community allotments and it is a site where there has been some anti-social behaviour which a well-regarded community facility can help prevent,” said Councillor Steve Munby, cabinet member for neighbourhoods.
“”This is a situation in which everybody can win. The schools are getting brand new premises, an overgrown and disused site is being put to a very good use and new allotments can be created in a neighbourhood where they are wanted. This would probably be the first new allotment site in the city since the end of the Second World War.
“We have turned more than 100 sites throughout the city into community gardens, allotments and other facilities and they are really appreciated. I am confident this proposal will be viewed favourably.”
The council will also make a contribution of up to £75,000 to support allotments in the city
The proposal will be considered by the cabinet on 30 August.
