BOLTON MP David Crausby has launched a campaign to change the law to protect allotments from housing development.
He has put down a Commons motion calling for the overhaul of the complex legislation governing the little patches of green to be found all over Bolton and Bury. Any new system should pay particular attention to existing allotment sites.
More than 20 MPs, including Bolton South East's Brian Iddon, have backed Mr Crausby's motion which "recognises the health benefits of allotment gardening, notes the value of allotment gardening in leisure provision exercise, the growing of fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers, and congratulates generations of allotment gardeners for their contribution to the nation's health."
Bolton North East MP Mr Crausby said: "It is important that we protect allotments from developers who are by their nature eager for housing land.
"By drawing to the Government's attention, the threats that allotments and their tenants face, we will help to ensure their survival.
"Although the demand for allotments has fallen, it still provides immense enjoyment, and is a very beneficial activity for a great many people. There are, I believe, approximately 800 allotment holders in Bolton.
"I applaud and support the efforts of the Bolton Allotments Council who have lobbied me in order to highlight the need to protect allotments."
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