Object
New, Revised and Small Sites
Representation ID: 19284
Received: 14/12/2018
Respondent: Mr Graham Moore
There is a need for the current allotments which have been extremely successful and there is a waiting list for plots(8). Harleston has an ageing population (34% over 60) with lower than average health, a higher than average lack of qualifications (36%)and blighted by a lack of connectivity (no train station, no bus station, 5 buses to Norwich a day and 7 to Diss a day)and lack of employment opportunities.Some rare wildlife has been sighted around the allotment hedges and trees.
This site is currently used by the Harleston Allotments Association and therefore has an important value to the community. The local council needs to promote healthy living styles and must provide allotments when there is a demand. At present there is a waiting list of 8 for allotment plots at this site. The surrounding hedges and trees are important to wildlife and some rare bird and butterfly species have been recorded there.Present government statistics note that the population of Harleston experiences a lower than average level of very good health and this is probably related to the statistic of 34% of residents being aged over 60. When the additional information of 36% of residents have no qualifications or level 1 then I think there is a strong case for keeping the allotments