AN allotment site has become the first in Ferryhill to be recognised as self-managed.
Rents at the East End allotment site will be reduced to £5 per plot per year, which will then be used exclusively for future development there.
Two of the new committee members, Norman Winterbone and Shirley Leary, met the Mayor of Ferryhill, Councillor Christine Woods, to discuss the transfer details.
Members of the East End Allotment Association voted for the move so they can begin to work in partnership with Ferryhill Town Council to apply for further funds to improve the site, including providing secure fencing.
The allotment holders were also keen to become self-managed, to avoid their rents subsidising other non-council owned allotment sites in the town.
Negotiations will start shortly to develop the charter and transfer the allotment site to the plot holders.
A second application for the self-management of an allotment has been received by the town council in the past few days. Council officials hope other sites will follow suit.
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