A group of gardeners in Selsey are celebrating after all their hard work in searching for land for plots has finally come to fruition.
Members of the Selsey Allotment Society (SAS) were overjoyed to learn that a man, who owns some land at Park Road, had come forward – giving the group space to hold nine plots.
Selsey Town Council signed a ten year lease with the land owner and sub-let the area to SAS. To celebrate the occasion SAS is holding an open day on Sunday, April 29.
The group’s secretary Linda Key said: “A gentleman has owned the land since the 60s and it had always been used for grazing.
“Recently though it hadn’t been used at all and he came forward to the council, who sub-let the plot to us. It’s quite a big plot.
“There are people that have been with us since we launched some years ago. The problem is the lack of land in Selsey. We have tried virtually everywhere. This gives us time to get up and running. It is a good start.”
She added: “We are hoping with the good weather we will get a good response at the open day.”
The society was formed three years ago but since it was launched it has struggled to find land to hold allotments.
Selsey Town Council clerk Gill Jennings said: “This is great news and I think Selsey had been the only place which had an allotment society without actually having any allotments.
“The gentleman who came forward had wanted the land to be used, a sheep used to graze there. The problem is finding land because there are still a lot of people on the waiting list.”
And the good news could continue for the SAS as Mrs Jennings added: “There is the possibility of more land coming forward in the not too distant future.”
SAS’ open day takes place at Park Road between midday-4pm. There will be a barbecue and other refreshments.
For more information about SAS contact secretary Linda Key on 01243 601470 or email allotments@selseytowncouncil.gov.uk