Future of Bassetsbury allotments uncertain (From This Is Local London)

100 new allotments to be opened in bid to cut waiting list

11:17am Thursday 11th June 2009 in Where I Live By Alex Hayes

THE future of Bassetsbury Lane allotments hangs in the balance after it was revealed it will cost more than £90,000 to clear up contaminated soil.

It has been estimated it will cost £45,000 per plot to dispose of the soil on two plots which has been poisoned by heavy metals, as it will have to be disposed of as hazardous waste.

On Tuesday night Elaine Jewell, head of community services for Wycombe Distict Council, told members of the High Wycombe town committee a decision on the future of Bassetsbury would be made by the cabinet.

However, Paula Lee, who has a plot on the High Wycombe site, said allotment holders had commissioned their own survey, which they say showed contamination was not as serious as feared.

She added: “We're still uncertain about the future of the site. What we're afraid of is the council waiting to January and then not renewing our tenancy agreements.

“Our report showed the levels of contamination were not as bad, but the council have yet to tell us whether they accept our findings.”

Wycombe District Council now looks set to open up more than 100 new allotments in Queensway, Hazlemere, in a bid to clear the 176-strong waiting list.

At Tuesday's meeting councillors were asked to choose between four sites earmarked for the allotments, in Hazlemere, Tylers Green, Desborough and Castlefield.

Although the land lies outside the unparished area of High Wycombe, it would be an acceptable site as long as it was made available for people living within the town.

However, Mrs Lee said many allotment holders would not be able to get to the Hazlemere site, at the top of Amersham Hill.

She added: “I do not drive so I would really struggle to get up there.

“A lot of people walk and cycle to Bassetsbury allotments, and people tend to live close by their plots. What we need is a new site in High Wycombe itself.”

Lib Dem Cllr Trevor Snaith, urged the council to look at acquiring the redundant Thames Water site in Wycombe Marsh, to help gardeners around the town centre.

He said: “A compulsory purchase could be done relatively cheaply to acquire the land.

“I think compulsory purchase is the way forward in a number of other areas as well. We need to be putting them into more deprived areas.”

Cllr Tony Green said he was “disappointed” with the comments, and added it was important was to “get more allotment sites as soon as possible”.

Ms Jewell added the Thames water site had been earmarked for a community building to serve the Ryemead area.

The Queensway site will cost £20,000 and take two months to prepare for use once the plans are passed by the cabinet.