Peter Barratt's garden centre eases allotments shortage

Apr 19 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

A GARDEN centre has stepped in to ease the shortage of allotment plots on Tyneside.

Demand for allotments is booming with more than 6,500 in the region on waiting lists.

Now Peter Barratt’s Gosforth Park Garden Centre, which is located on the east side of Gosforth Park Racecourse in Newcastle, has created 104 “Grow Your Own” plots.

They will be launched on Friday by North Tyneside mayor Linda Arkley and sheriff of Newcastle Brenda Hindmarsh.

Paul Barker, garden centre general manager, said: “The plots are being rented out to gardeners wishing to grow their own food.

“We’re meeting a real demand for plots from people in the community and we’re offering them the chance to grow their own with a little help from us.”

Each plot will be approximately 90 square metres.

A basic plot, which will cost £5 per week, will include access to a water trough.

Alternatively, people can have a site that includes a greenhouse, shed, and a water butt, for £10 per week.