For immediate release
Rt Hon David Blunkett, MP for Sheffield Brightside, has welcomed a new government initiative to help communities reclaim under-used or uncared for land in order to grow their own food.
Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Secretary Hilary Benn and Communities & Local Government Secretary John Denham will today announce a package of measures to help gardeners in the community as part of the Government’s Food 2030 strategy. The measures include:
- A new ‘community land bank’ to act as a broker between landholders and community groups who want to grow food
- Making it easier for local residents to set up growing spaces on land that is currently unused or awaiting development, such as stalled building sites
- Good practice for local councils to help them reduce the waiting time for local residents to get their own allotment
Mr Blunkett, who has been pressing the Government on the importance of food education and the extension of greater provision for allotments across the country, said: “I am really pleased that an initiative I’ve been working closely with Hilary Benn on developing is now coming to fruition.
“It’s good news for all those who have campaigned for a substantial and imaginative expansion in this area – including ideas from the Green City Action group in Sheffield for developing the growing of vegetables and the education of children in the Pitsmoor and Fir Vale area.
“It is also one of the strands in the proposition put forward by Sheffield City Council in their Sustainable Communities bid to the Department for Communities & Local Government.
“Sheffield has a tremendous tradition in this area. Extra resources and backing will help further develop allotments, the use of derelict land and the opening up of green space. I’m very pleased that Hilary Benn has been prepared to listen and respond.”
ENDS
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