Digging in to fill allotment vacancies

Allotments across the West Midlands may have ever-growing waiting lists but one site in Walsall is bucking the trend.

Broadway Allotments currently has 40 vacant plots, compared to other allotment sites in the region which have waiting lists of up to five years.

Bosses at the allotments, off The Broadway, today admitted some of the plots are "a little bit run-down" but could be brought back to life with some hard graft.

Site manager Robert Woolley urged people to get in touch to snap up the vacant plots.

The 49-year-old father of two said: "Once people have tried their own fruit and vegetables, they'll never go back. To be honest, they are a bit run down. Years ago they were popular but quite a few elderly people used to have them and nobody else has taken them on since they have died."

Mr Woolley, who has had a plot at the allotments for four years, added: "We only charge £30 a year and £1 for insurance while the use of the rotivator is free. It's a really nice community down here, very friendly and everybody helps each other out."

Broadway Allotments is privately-run but elsewhere in Walsall, 150 people are on waiting lists. All areas of the West Midlands have waiting lists for allotments.

Anyone interested in a plot should call Mr Woolley on 07794417585.