On the waiting list

Inspires by Lee and Keith I have taken the plunge and maybe before I retire the local council will reach my post on their waiting list for an allotment!!

In the process I saw this article in the local paper (the express and star).................

Group in plea to dig deep and grow veg
Volunteers are urging people to roll up their sleeves and grow their own greens in Cannock by unveiling plans to transform an overgrown plot of land into allotments.
The plot, which is based off Longford Road in the town, was formerly used as allotments around 20 years ago but has since been left to waste. A group of residents are desperate to see the site brought back to life and have joined forces to approach Cannock Chase Council for lease of the land in a bid to turn it into new plots which would be run by the group.
With a four-year waiting list to get an allotment with Cannock Chase Council, the newly-formed Longford Allotment Holders’ Association hope the proposal will be approved.
They are currently in negotiations with the council over terms of the lease and will be writing to the authority with specific plans of 20 plots for the site.

They have been told the plans are likely to be put before Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet in January. If approved, they can begin the clean-up and tidying of the area in time for spring.
Councillor John Kraujalis, a member of the association, said: “We are going to bring it back into use at our own cost.
“We have a group of around 13 very committed people who are enthusiastic about this project.
“The council owns lots of pieces of land and in economic times like this there is nothing they can do with them.
“Why not turn them over to productive use, if people want to use them?


This land is literally a 5 minute walk from where I live so I contacted the paper for the details of the group and it turns out that the local councillor is "the man to talk to" - now it just so happens that my mum (stalwart of the local labour party) is good mates with the councillor and is indeed going to be in conference with him at the weekend as she is on the working party to choose the new parliamentary candidate........ now is your mind working like mine did..... Sarah picks up phone... Hi mom - yeah everythings ok.... mom will you have a word with john the councillor with the unpronouncable name and as him if i can join the allotment action group blah blah blah... etc etc etc.... mom replies - dont you think you've got enough on your plate working full time 3 kids husband ice hockey training to be a cambridge councillor.... yes mom i do but would you like me to grow all your veggies for you from now till you turn up your toes... ah well when you put it like that I'll put a word in for you!!

Don't you just love moms!