Check your MP’s allotment motion
By Ed Mitchell 20th September 2010
Thanks to Margaret from Transition Town West Kirby for bringing this to our attention – allotments are close to many of our hearts:
Dear fellow Transitioners
I’m sure you’re all aware that there is significant unmet demand for allotments in the UK. We did a survey of allotment waiting lists in England earlier this year, and you can access figures for your local council on our database.
Bob Russell, MP, has submitted for an Early Day Motion (EDM 687) for debate stating
“That this House welcomes the big increase in home-grown vegetables, with seed sales up 14 per cent last year; is pleased that the number of people wanting an allotment has increased by 20 per cent in the past 12 months; is concerned that according to the National Society for Allotment and Leisure Gardeners there are 100,000 people on waiting lists for an allotment; and calls on the Government, local authorities, other public bodies and private landlords to make land available for new allotments.”
To-date 28 MPs have signed the Motion.
I’m wondering if Transition groups around the England would consider checking if their MP has signed the motion and if they have have, thank them for their support and offer to meet with them to discuss the situation in their constituency and if they haven’t, to seek their support.
Best wishes,
Margaret
(Contact for Transition Town West Kirby Food Group)