Westcliff Land Cultivation Society Statement 20/7/2005

Southend Borough Council have recently published their report regarding the proposed merger of Prittlewell and Thorpe Bay high schools. Amongst the ‘disadvantages’ of using the Prittlewell site, would be the need to acquire the nearby “fully utilised Allotment Site".

The area is densely populated. Many residents are without a garden, so why take our green space? What is more the building of a new enlarged school would worsen an already grave parking problem.

Ours is the most successful allotment site in the Borough, it is well managed, and currently has a waiting list for plots. Amongst the advantages of holding an allotment are;

· GOOD FOOD: A chance to grow your own healthy, locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables.

· GOOD COMMUNITY: A place to meet other people in a friendly, multicultural and sociable atmosphere. WLCS has a wide diversity of nationalities working side by side harmoniously.

· GOOD HEALTH: Plenty of gentle exercise and fresh air. Allotments are in fact a perfect example of the governments’ own ‘Green Gym’ initiatives.

· GOOD LEARNING: There is much that young people can learn about ‘hands on’ food growing from the allotment experience, and we have good relationships with nearby Lancaster school for children with special needs.

· GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: Allotments help to promote biodiversity and encourage habitat for urban wildlife such as birds, bats, hedgehogs, amphibians and reptiles.


In fact, allotments form an important element in Southend Borough Council’s own Biodiversity Action Plan, as well as their just published ‘Southend Together - Local Strategic Partnership Action Plan’. We will not allow this ill conceived scheme to go ahead at the expense of local allotment holders.


For more information see our website at
www.wlcsallotments.org.uk