Allotments return to site to meet growing demand

New allotment space is due to be created to help meet growing demand.

The 10 new plots will be on land at Yeatman Court, in Cherry Tree Road, Watford.

Watford Borough Council, Cherry Tree Allotment and Garden Association (CTGA) and Watford Community Housing have worked together on the project.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said it was "a fantastic example of partnership working" to deliver "real benefits for our community".

The land is beside the former Yeatmans Sweet Factory which was established in about 1918 and operated until the late 1960s.

It later became the Mothercare headquarters, and in the 1970s, a plan was approved to turn adjoining allotment land into parking and yard space - on the understanding that it would one day be restored as an allotment.

Work is due to begin in April and completion is expected in October.

Some of the plots will have raised planting troughs, allowing wheelchair users greater access.

"Cherry Tree has always been about more than plots of land, it's about community," said Lesley Critelli, chairwoman of CTAGA.

"We regularly see how allotment gardening improves wellbeing and builds friendships."

Watford Borough Council said the town was home to about 1,300 plots across 12 sites, and demand remained consistently strong.

Nationally, there are on average more than 50 people waiting for every 100 plots.

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