Allotments bloom on wasteland

AN overgrown corner of the New Town where a long- forgotten row of tenements once stood is set to become the city's newest allotment.

The patch of wasteland, which was the site of the Georgian housing until 1967, is to be used to help satisfy the huge surge in demand for gardening space.

More than 90,000 is to be spent creating 21 new plots in MacKenzie Place.

Following the demolition of the tenements, the area was left to deteriorate, with a line of bricked-up cellars the only remnants of the buildings.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, the city's environment leader, said: "This is great news that a disused plot of ground is being turned into something useful.

"The project will not only benefit the local community but other Edinburgh residents on the allotment waiting list."

The council recently launched a new allotment strategy after the number of people on the waiting list grew to more than 2000 from around 400 in 1998.

Half of the new plots will be offered to local residents, while the others will be given to those on the council's waiting list.

The project is part-funded by Edinburgh World Heritage, whose money will be used to turn the cellars into tool storage.

Adam Wilkinson, director of EHW, said: "We're delighted to be able to support the community in this way and reduce the distance people have to travel to allotments, while tidying up a previously unloved space."

Kate Kelly, who lives on Saunders Street, added: "I am delighted to see that after so many years this neglected patch of land is to be returned to practical use. I hope it will encourage local residents to become more involved with the care and maintenance of their surroundings".