Independent Councillor Patrick Clarke has asked Newry Mourne and Down District Council to investigate the possibility of using land for community allotments in Castlewellan and has mooted Castlewellan Forest Park as a likely location under Council plans for the park.
The Slieve Croob Councillor has now raised the matter with both the Council Chief Executive and the Directors of Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism, and Active Healthy Communities.
He said: “I have now made written representations to the Chief Executive, ERT and AHC Departments of Council outlining the use and location of Castlewellan Forest Park and or any other possible land Council could identify in Castlewellan for community allotments to assist horticultural enthusiasts and people wishing to enjoy growing their own vegetables.:
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Councillor Patrick Clarke is pressing for community allotments in Castlewellan.[/caption]
Cllr Clarke explained that previously he had raised the matter of community allotments with the former Down District Council to consider the provision of community allotments in the Newcastle and Castlewellan and Dundrum areas. Some investigations were carried out by the former Down District Council officials as well as a presentation being made to the Recreation Committee by South Down Grow It Yourself group which is part of an All-Ireland organisation who 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 the glasshouses in the walled garden. Not only would this provide an opportunity for people who do not have gardens to grow their own food, but also provides educational and health benefits, especially for mental health.
“There has been positive interest by people living in Castlewellan who have contacted me about community allotment spaces being provided by Council . I now plan to take this forward through the various Council department committees with 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, healthy food. There are also social, environmental and health benefits also to having an allotment. It raises the level of self-esteem in long-term unemployed as well as people who may be suffering from mental health issues such as depression. It can really provide wonderful and. positive benefits to people in terms of improving the health and wellbeing both physically, mentally, as well as
socially interacting with other people.”
“I am sure there are many people in the local community who would support this initiative in Castlewellan.
“I therefore welcome that Council officers have now agreed to my proposal and will investigate the provision of community allotments within both Castlewellan Forest Park and any other available Council lands in Castlewellan.” said Cllr Clarke.
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