Vincent Cable praises Hampton allotments

4.55.12pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 18th Aug 2004

Vincent Cable MP awarded the annual Woodriffe prize at the Markhole Allotments, Hampton on Saturday and predicted a big increase in the demand for allotments as more and more people pursue lifestyles based on greater sell sufficiency in growing fruit and vegetables.

All allotments in the borough are now fully occupied apart from Markhole which is trying to attract new plot holders to fill the remaining unoccupied space.

Vincent cable said "Over the years that I have attended the annual event at the allotments there has been a steady growth in interest in owning plots, but the council could do more to promote the last available allotment with vacancies. It is difficult to understand why there are long waiting lists elsewhere when Markhole remains underutilised".