OTLEY residents are being invited to ‘go green’ this year by helping to create a community allotment.

Otley Community Land Trust has acquired a large plot on Birdcage Walk, at the bottom of Johnny Lane, that it wants to develop into a resource for the whole town.

The aim is for the site not just to produce fruit and vegetables for those who work the land but to also be used as an educational resource and to bring people together.

First, though, the Community Growing Project needs more volunteers to lend a hand.

Regular volunteer David Mitchell said: “There are many practical tasks involved in developing a community allotment.

“They range from digging, clearing and laying paths through to planting seeds and weeding.

“Volunteers can do as much or as little as they feel they able to.

“There will also be chances to help plan and design the space and you can share your skills and expertise and learn from others.”

Helpers are also being sought to assist with fundraising for the scheme, or to develop educational opportunities.

The Otley Community Land Trust (OCLT) was formed in 2016 with the aim of bringing local assets under community control and developing co-housing schemes.

Local MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) spoke out in support of the Trust and other organisations like it last year, hailing them as a ‘force for good’.

OCLT founding member Andrew Howarth says the community allotment initiative offers anyone who is hoping to get fit and healthy in 2019, and is interested in growing their own vegetables, a great opportunity.

He said: “I believe this Community Growing Project is important because it will give a wider range of people access to growing spaces and the skills needed to produce their own food.

“Climate change and political uncertainty are making it increasingly important for us to think local about where our food comes from.”

Otley Town Council has shown its support for the scheme by recently awarding the Trust a small Community Fund Grant.

With this, and donations of tools and time from local people, the group has already started to work on the previously neglected site to make it safe and accessible so it can be improved further.

Anyone interested in helping on the plot and growing their own produce is invited to come along on a ‘volunteer day’ which are held each Saturday, from 10am.

Volunteers of all ages - though children and young people must be accompanied by a responsible adult - and experience are welcome.

For more details visit www.otleyclt.org.uk or send an e-mail to: info@otleyclt.org.uk .