The Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council has been working hard over recent months to take full control of allotments across the Royal Town. While ownership of the allotments should legally have been enacted in 2016 on formation of the Town Council, arrangements to manage the allotments are now eventually being finalised with Birmingham City Council several years later.

Developments in the long running process come as local allotment holders celebrated National Allotment week which ran from 9 August till 15 August with the theme “plotting the future”. The scheme was started in 2002 as a way of raise awareness of allotments and the role they play in helping people to live healthier lifestyles, grow their own food, develop friendships, and bolster communities.

The Royal Town’s Member of Parliament Andrew Mitchell MP said,

“I am delighted that the Town’s eleven allotment sites are soon to be in the hands of the Town Council, a prime example of the benefits of bringing the local government closer to residents and why our brilliant Town Council is so important. I would like to congratulate Cllrs Terry Wood, John Cooper and Tony Briggs who have made this possible”.

Cllr Terry Wood said

“we are looking forward to working with The Royal Sutton Coldfield Allotment Associations. Allotments have been vitally important to many people's physical and mental health during the COVID pandemic. Allotments play an important role in local communities and you can always eat the product of all your labours!”

Commenting Cllr Simon Ward, Leader of the Town Council said

“I am pleased that we have been able to deliver this for the allotment holders across our town. They demonstrate the very best of the community spirit that we are so lucky to have in the Town. The town council looks forward to working to improve and enhance these great amenities over the coming years”