Campaigners plead for Bassetsbury Lane allotment re-opening (From Bucks Free Press)

Campaigners plead for Bassetsbury Lane allotment re-opening

10:40am Sunday 19th July 2009

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CAMPAIGNERS have pleaded with councillors to reopen the Bassetsbury Lane allotments which they say help them cope with difficult personal problems in their lives.

The site was closed down around six months ago after a survey revealed soil was contaminated.

However, an independent study carried out on behalf of plotholders who formed Bassetsbury Lane Allotments Group (BLAG), provided contrasting results.

It revealed the contamination was not as serious as feared.

Further tests are set to be carried out.

Members of BLAG, which was set up to protect the green space in High Wycombe used to grow vegetables, gathered names for a petition to re-open it outside the site yesterday morning.

They enlisted around 40 names in the first two hours.

BLAG chairman Mike Bevan, 60, a landscaper of Gordon Road, said: “There are people here who are recovering from nervous breakdowns and with all sorts of problems in their own lives.

“There are guys who have had alcohol problems, there are so many social issues that will be compounded if they don't have their allotments here. It's helping them to have it here.”

Councillor Trevor Snaith said: "I think it's important - the reason is that the shortage of allotments in the town nothing we need is more in the town made available now.

“I think it needs to be reopened as if we can get through the final hurdle.”

Harry Boltt, 52, an IT consultant of Conegra Road said: “We are confident that the levels found here doesn't warrant it being closed.”

It was revealed last month that it will cost more than £90,000 to clear up the contaminated soil - which has been poisoned by heavy metals according to the initial report.

Wycombe District Council may open up more than 100 new allotments in Queensway, Hazlemere, in a bid to clear a 176-strong waiting list.

Bassetsbury Lane plotholders could be moved to these new spaces.

However, Mr Blott said allotment holders want to remain where they are.

He said: “It's a lovely open green space in Wycombe and who wants to get into their car and drive rather than to walk down here?”

The protesters said the site is also home to an array of wildlife including badgers, foxes and possibly even an unusual kind of bee normally found in Africa.

Wycombe District Council said that a letter is being sent out today to allotment holders providing an update.

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