Independent Councillor Patrick Clarke Calls For Castlewellan Allotments

Independent Councillor Patrick Clarke has asked Newryxa0Mourne and Down District Council to investigate thexa0possibility of using land for community allotments inxa0Castlewellan and has mooted Castlewellan Forest Park as axa0likely location under Council plans for the park.

The Slieve Croob Councillor has now raised thexa0matter with both the Council Chief Executivexa0and the Directors of Enterprise,xa0Regeneration and Tourism, and Active Healthy Communities.

He said: “Ixa0have now made written representations to the Chiefxa0Executive, ERT and AHC Departments of Council outlining thexa0use and location of Castlewellan Forest Park and or anyxa0other possible land Council could identify in Castlewellanxa0for community allotments to assist horticultural enthusiastsxa0and people wishing to enjoy growing their ownxa0vegetables.:

Cllr Clarke explained that previously he had raised the matter of communityxa0allotments with the former Down District Council to considerxa0the provision of community allotments in the Newcastle andxa0Castlewellan and Dundrum areas.xa0Some investigations were carried out by the former Downxa0District Council officials as well as a presentation beingxa0made to the Recreation Committee by South Down Grow Itxa0Yourself group which is part of an All-Ireland organisationxa0who supported the idea of local provision of community allotments.

Also under plans by the former Down District Council proposals for Castlewellan Forest Park was included extensive community use and management of the facilities. “One option,” added Cllr Clarke: “was the creation of community allotments linked to thexa0glasshouses in the walled garden. Not only would thisxa0provide an opportunity for people who do not have gardens toxa0grow their own food, but also provides educational andxa0health benefits, especially for mental health.

“There has been positive interest by people living inxa0Castlewellan who have contacted me about community allotmentxa0spaces being provided by Council . I now plan to take thisxa0forward through the various Council department committeesxa0with a view to Council working with the local community to develop community allotments in Castlewellan.

“Keeping an allotment gives people a chance to grow fresh,xa0healthy food. There are also social, environmental andxa0health benefits also to having an allotment. It raisesxa0the level of self-esteem in long-term unemployed asxa0well as people who may be suffering from mental health issuesxa0such as depression. It can really provide wonderfulxa0and.xa0positive benefits to people in terms of improving thexa0health and wellbeing both physically, mentally, as well as

socially interacting with other people.”

“I am sure there are many people in the local communityxa0who would support this initiative in Castlewellan.

“I therefore welcome that Council officers have now agreedxa0to my proposal and will investigate the provision ofxa0community allotments within both Castlewellan Forest Parkxa0and any other available Council lands in Castlewellan.” said Cllr Clarke.