Witney needs more allotment plots...
So why are allotment plots so important to those that want them? Should making sure that the council meets demand for allotment plots be a priority?
Below are some of the benefits that some Witney residents can look forward to when they eventually get an allotment in the town. These are reason enough to make finding new allotment sites a priority.
If you can think of any more that I could add to this list then please let me know.
Price
The people currently on the waiting list for an allotment in Witney certainly will notice a financial reward from growing their own fruit and vegetables once they are provided with an allotment. Just two fresh tomatoes from Waitrose would equal the cost of a whole packed of tomato seeds. Shoppers in the UK spend on average £470 per yeah on fruit and vegetables. That could be a vital saving for any Witney resident in this economic climate.
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Environment
One row of lettuce certainly will not have a massive impact, however as there is apparently 150 plus residents on the current waiting list, this will mean that fruit and vegetables for 150 plus families doesn't have to make its way to Witney each week in pollution pumping lorries each week. This would help to reduce Witney's carbon footprint.
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Health
People who grown their own fresh produce have the choice of what gets sprayed on their crops, which is healthy if they choose a more organic approach. Allotment holders also have the opportunity to grow a variety of fruit and vegetables, allowing them and their family and friends eat at least five a day, thus cutting diseases such as cancer, obesity and other issues that have been linked to a poor diet and a sedatry lifestyle. Allotment keeping is also a great form of exercise for the whole family.
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Children's Diet
Children take a real interest of were there food comes from and are much more likely to eat more healthily as a result. This will then become a lifelong habit, reducing the cost to the NHS.
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Waste
With sufficient allotments for the residents of Witney we will notice a reduction in waste that is going to landfill as allotment holders will have an appropriate place on their plot to use as a compost heap. The average household in the UK produces between 0.3kg and 2.2kg of food waste each week that can be composted. This means that between 2340kg and 17160kg of food waste will not go to landfill saving the council money and the environment CO2. This would help to reduce Witney's carbon footprint.
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Personal Reward
Not only will allotment holders have great satisfaction with growing their own vegetables, but the exercise that they get will also ward off depression and help to promote good mental health. This has been proven in study after study.
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Networking
We know from research that people need contact with other humans throughout their day to keep them mentally and physically healthy. The benefits of community are enormous and as such it should be encouraged in very part of Witney. This is especially true for our more senior residents in Witney.
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