AFTER many years of hard work, the Nythe Allotments were officially opened on Saturday morning by dozens of residents.

The idea of allotments in the area was first suggested in 2007 and garden lovers are now invited to take a plot of land while there are still some available.

Half the site has been taken already and there have been enquiries about the other half.

The allotments are on land just off Greenbridge Road, which was previously unused.

With the help of volunteers, the community payback scheme and businesses, the site has been transformed within a few months. A new entrance has been laid for cars to gain access and a fence has been put around the whole site.

Geraldine Brant, a member of the Nythe Allotment Society, said: “This is something for the whole community and already it is having an impact. People are getting together to discuss ideas about what they are going to do. They have become friends and are meeting up now away from the allotments.

“We are going to put an old shipping container in so there will be somewhere for people to go if it starts raining so they don’t have to leave the allotment and we will have some awning for shade when it gets too hot.”

Half the land has been turned into 78 allotments so there is space to expand, although the committee is exploring the possibility of putting a community orchard on the rest of the site.

“We are very grateful to everyone who has helped us because we couldn’t have done it without them and the council,” said Geraldine.

“Webbs Wood has been brilliant in helping us. Whatever we have wanted they have delivered. Dialog Semiconctor also gave us some money, without which we would not have been able to do all this.”

As well as receiving a grant, the committee was given permission to use the land by the council.

Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan) said: “Today’s official opening of the Nythe Allotments is the first new site of this type to open in East Swindon for over 15 years.

“It’s great that over 30 residents turned up to see this opening.”

For information on how to hire an allotment contact nytheallotments@outlook.com A scheme has been set up whereby council tenants can have a plot for half the price.