GARDENING enthusiasts in North Swindon came together today to officially open their new allotments.

The green fingered residents of Tadpole Garden Village can now enjoy all the benefits of home grown fruit and veg right on their doorsteps.

Around 30 new plots were unveiled by representatives from housing companies Crest Nicholson and Preim as well as a host of local residents.

Andrew Dobson, Crest Nicholson’s managing director for strategic projects, was thrilled to see so many people turn out for the grand unveiling.

He said: “This is fantastic for the area and a great way of bringing the community together.

“The allotments have been built on garden village principles, one of which is promoting healthy living. It gets people out into the fresh air, growing their own food and being friendly to the environment.

“It’s also a great learning experience for the children and we hope they will enjoy coming to the allotments and making the most of the nice weather.”

A special children’s plot was also on display. It is hoped that this will help get kids interested in living a healthy lifestyle.

Residents interested in acquiring an allotment had previously been asked to put their names down and on Saturday morning the plots were divvied out on a first-come-first-serve basis.

There was even space allocated for the building of a community shed to be used by all the allotment holders.

Andrew New, director of estate management firm Preim, who developed the allotments in conjunction with Crest Nicholson, said: “A lot of large development sites now include allotments in their plans because they are so important for local people.

“Residents are allowed to choose their plots and are free to grow whatever they like. I think it will be really good for the village.”

Once the plots had been officially opened, children were treated to an Easter Egg hunt.

One local resident was keen to get her gardening gloves on and go digging in her new allotment.

Emma Lindley, whose house overlooks the green space, said: “I’m really looking forward to getting an allotment.

“I have always wanted one and it’s great because I only live about 30 seconds away.

“I think it’s really good for the community. I intend to grow vegetables and maybe a bit of fruit.”

As she was putting out the bunting, organiser Louise Barrett said: “Tadpole Garden Village is made up not just of houses but of places people want to call home.

“Events such as this, which mark the opening of a community space, are very important and it’s great to be a part of it.”