Money not growing on trees as borough allotment schemes too costly for this year

ABC Council has identified three sites in the borough where it could develop allotments.

But given the costs involved, councillors have been asked to look at it again in a year’s time.

A paper on the matter has been prepared for the environmental services committee sitting on Tuesday night.

The three sites are behind the polytunnels at the Palace Demesne in Armagh, at Woodlands Park, Gilford and Wells Quarry in Craigavon.

Officers had been asked in March last year to look at potential sites.

Each could “comfortably accommodate” to allotments measuring nine metres by 12 metres.

But money is a problem, as operational costs, according to a paper to committee, have been estimated at £156,836 a year and development costs at £261,190.

Councillors have been told: “Members should note that there is no budget for such work in terms of either capital or
revenue spend.”

Committee is therefore being asked: “It is recommended that embers consider and approve that officers bring an updated report to committee in 12 months’ time.”

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