A GRANT from Ledbury Town Council means that more local people can grow their own, even if they feel unable or reluctant to take on large-scale allotment gardening.

Ledbury Allotment Association recently developed eight mini-plots at their allotment site at Burtons Lane, Wellington Heath, near Ledbury.

Isobel Gibson, the association's chairman added: "The mini-plots come in pairs of 12ft by 3ft beds and have water harvesting, storage and shelter facilities nearby.

"The construction of the plots was part funded by a grant for £500 from Ledbury Town Council, which paid for the wooden surrounds, the weed suppressant fabric on the surrounding paths and the water tanks and structures. Volunteers from the Association provided the labour."

She added: "These plots were built to provide growing spaces for people who are not able to take on a traditional allotment but want to produce their own fruit and vegetables in a communal gardening area.”

And the plots also represent the joy of gardening at an affordable cost, because costs have been set at £20 a year rent for a two beds mini-plot.

In addition, tenants are expected to join Ledbury Allotment Association which also cost £10 per annum.

The mini-plots are already proving popular with local people, who are snapping them up.

Five of the eight mini-plots are already tenanted, leaving three available for rent.

The association also has a few standard full size and half size plots available for rent.

The association was formed in 2004 "by a small group of people who wanted to have the opportunity to grow their own food".

The "not for profit" association became a company limited by guarantee to enable them to purchase land. In June 2012 the company became a registered charity

Anyone seeking further information should contact the Association on ledburyallotment@gmail.com or ring 01531 636462.