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June 24 2005 South London Press "We don't dig this" By Clare Casey SCORES of allotment keepers are fighting proposals to flatten their vegetable patches. The growers have formed an action group to stop a rumoured buyout of their plots
No decision has been reached but Helen Sharrock, chairwoman of Friends of Windmill Allotments, said the gardeners were preparing for the worst.
She said: "It's an absolute disgrace that they are even considering closing something as amazing as this. It's a real safe haven. We run schemes for the disabled, blind and are in talks about starting gardening respite for those with HIV.
"To close this place would destroy the community and we will not let that happen."
More than 60 people rent plots from Thames Water.
Pat Greenway, 57, of Wingford Road, Brixton Hill, said: "My dad worked for the waterworks years ago and I have been coming here since I was a little girl. "I retire soon from my job on a checkout and hoped to spend all my time here - but the future looks bleak now."
Alison Knapp, 33, of Lyham Road, helps Helen Sharrock with her plot because Helen suffers from ME. Like many others Alison has been on the waiting list for an allotment for years.
A Thames Water spokesman said it was in discussion with the council about selling the land for use as playing fields.
Councillor Anthony Bottrall, Lambeth Council's Executive Member for Education, said the council executive would consider the allotments at a meeting on July 25. He added: "We will also have to consider the urgent need for the expansion of secondary school places."
Are playing fields more important than allotments? Write to South London Press, 2-4 Leigham Court Road, Streatham, SW16 2PD or email letters@slp.co.uk
Article courtesy of The South London Press Photographs OSMAN DEEN used with permission.
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The allotment keepers' landlord, Thames Water, is in talks with Lam-beth council about selling the land on the Brixton Hill reservoir to create school playing fields.
Designer Anthony Hall, of John Ashby Close, shares his allotment with Adriano Sousa. They agreed that to destroy it would be a travesty.