ALLOTMENTS in Over are set for more improvements after a £40,000 lottery funding boost.

In partnership with the town council, the Over Allotments Committee has been given £39,537 to give better access to the site.

The application was made to the Royal Society for Nature Conservation under the SEED programme, which forms part of the New Opportunities Fund 'Green Spaces' initiative.

This boost comes after a spell of regeneration for the allotments.

Only two-and-a-half years ago, the plots were in a sorry state.

Just 17 out of the 48 available plots were let and many of these were not in particularly good shape.

Winsford Town Council decided positive action was needed and a working party was set up.

This included councillors, allotment holders and other partners plus Verdin and Woodford Lodge High Schools, Oaklands Special School, Winsford Youth Forum and Cheshire County Council.

The Winsford Allotments Panel, chaired by Clr Don Beckett, managed to secure funding 18 months ago to build a security fence around the site at Over.

Since then the allotments have gone from strength to strength thanks to a 'ground force' style clean up by volunteers and valuable assistance from the probation service.

Clr Don Beckett said: "I am very pleased for the allotment holders and for the area to have been given this award which will give better access for all on the site.

"I would like to thank the panel members and other partners for all their help during the group's two-and-a-half years.

"I am also pleased to say there is now a waiting list for plots on the site."

If you are interested in joining the allotments panel or if you want more information on the availability of plots then please ring June Williams, town clerk, on 01606 593582.