ARE we finally getting some common sense about the importance of fresh food?

Everyone knows about the rise in fast-food outlets and the nation’s seemingly unquenchable appetite for burgers and pizzas. Nothing wrong with either of those in themselves, of course, but there is a nutrition problem when they form – as they do - a staple diet for many. Now, however, there does seem to be a greater emphasis on buying fresh food, making and baking your own meals and on growing your own food. The smoothie – that ubiquitous drink combining liquidised fruit and veg – has gone way beyond just a trendy way to start the day and is now an anytime healthy drink.

The huge success of TV baking programmes like The Great British Bake-Off is another, reflecting our ongoing love affair with creating food – albeit cakes and bread. What is really important, though, is the greater emphasis placed on growing your own fruit and veg, especially on allotments. This is not only fuelled by an economy which demands we take more responsibility for providing cheap, nutritious food ourselves but also by a return to nature which has made millions of us happy gardeners.

When Harper Green Cllr Susan Haworth called on Bolton Council last week to help increase the numbers of allotments locally she was following a report by The National Allotment Society which predicted that 90,000 new allotment plots would be needed to keep up with UK demand.

She pointed out that this could help those coping badly with food prices, saying: “Food banks are vital for those who are really struggling. Food growing by community groups is an additional longer term solution.”

She also stated, rightly, that many people grow food for the sheer pleasure of nature, with the added benefits of the exercise involved and the social element of meeting people.

Fitter and happier individuals are the result of many local urban food-growing groups and, hopefully, the trend that will continue.

The benefits, both financially and personally, are obvious but the movement helps to create healthier communities more aware of making the right nutritional choices. The great news is that home-grown fruit and veg actually taste better, along with what is often the even sweeter taste of achievement.

All in all, as a town we need more allotments and growing schemes.

So let’s hope that officialdom recognises this important fact.