GREEN schemes for a community garden and allotments in Northallerton have been backed by the town council, which is calling on residents to let them know if there is support.

A site for allotments is under consideration around Bankhead Park, but councillors are waiting for stormy weather and rain to see if the site floods. In the meantime they are asking anyone who is interested in having an allotment to get in touch so they can assess how much interest there is.

In the Applegarth and Ashlea Road area, at the western end of the auction mart, a group has approached the town council to look at creating a community garden. Councillors were told this week the collaboration would be between One Planet One Northallerton and Youth Space alongside the town council and potentially the Men’s Shed and The Secret Garden. Members were told the idea is in the formative stages and there would be consultations with residents and reviews of the CCTV.

Mayor, Councillor Phil Eames said: “We were asked to meet with a number of groups who are looking at proposals for the use of a small area at the end of the western side of the mart to be developed into into a community garden. We were really impressed by the enthusiasm of these groups, they have a vision. It obviously has risks but we think we should support it going forward.”

Deputy mayor, Councillor Paul Cornfoot said there was a general acceptance there could be some issues in the area and there would need to be discussions with local residents. He added: “I think the view was ‘let’s give it a go it could be a good thing for the town’.”

Cllr Eames said they were all concerned there could be problems but Youth Space were going to be involved and hopefully if it is owned by the youth of the town it would be supported. CCTV cameras also cover the area.

Councillor Paul Atkin said they had been looking at establishing 20 to 30 allotments on a site at Bankhead Park. There was potential parking and a water supply but there had been concern that the area had historically flooded, and they would be monitoring it after rainfall to see how suitable it is.

He added: “We need to see if people are interested in having allotments, if people can get in touch and let us know that would help. And we will be waiting for storms and rain so we can see if the site floods.”

See https://northallertontowncouncil.gov.uk