Allotment will help grow community spirit

Safer streets funding has enabled a Warrington community to open its own allotment.

Today, Thursday 1 July 2021, saw the official opening of a community allotment in Bewsey and Whitecross, which has brought together different aspects of the community.

The area in which the allotment has been constructed was identified as a problem area, with residents wanting to use the disused land for something that would help to build community spirit.

This is the latest phase of a Safer Streets project which has been successful in Warrington, it included the installation of a CCTV network, giving quality door locks to local residents and quality cycle locks to local cyclists. The funding also saw a local subway being revamped with local school children picking a design which a graffiti artist then painted. These children have then taken on the role as ‘mini’ police officers, to protect the newly revamped area.

The money has been funded by the Home Office as part of a number of grants that local Constabularies can bid for to combat crime in their respective geographical areas.

Inspector Ruth Atherton, in charge of the Safer Streets project for Warrington Local Policing Unit, said: “I have really enjoyed working on this project and meeting some amazing people in the community who are going to help make this allotment a success. 

“I have already had contact from lots of people enquiring about how they can get involved, wanting to donate plants and I can't wait to see the wonderful vegetables and fruit that will be produced. 

“It is also a great way to educate children. It gives them a focus that will also help steer them away from crime and anti-social behaviour.  Then there are residents in this area who don’t have a garden or only have a small yard and some who live alone. 

“The garden really is a safe, enjoyable and quiet place for everyone living in the local community.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, said: “I am so pleased that my office was able to secure £550,000 Government funding for these projects. I have been impressed with what they have achieved but an interesting additional bonus has been the way the community has come together to make this a reality.”

Warrington South MP Andy Carter said: “Creating a much-loved green space forms a key part of My Plan for Warrington South,  to level up all through the creation of thriving and resilient communities in every part of the town. The benefits of green spaces - no matter their size - are well-known. This community allotment will help to shape local identity, help people overcome social isolation and create a sense of belonging in the places we call home and it’s great to see families, young and ‘not so young’ coming together to make a real difference to the area”.