A COMMUNITY allotment scheme is hoping to put pride back into the community of Walcot.

The new head of Mountford Manor School, Nick Capstick, has set up a new allotment scheme with the aim of bringing families together.

The Mountford allotment group met for the first time yesterday to discuss the project and get it up and running.

Families will be given keys to the allotments to allow them to tend to the vegetables and fruit outside of school times, with pupils also being able to use the facility.

Mr Capstick said: “What we are looking to do is to make Mountford Manor Primary School the centre of the community. We want to bring parents together by creating a community allotment. We want to get pride back into the school. We hope to create a little oasis full of fruit and vegetables.

“The reaction yesterday was brilliant. The parents were so supportive and there was a real buzz about creating something for themselves. This is about a project where the community are working for themselves.”

Classes will be held in the allotments for children at the school and will look to teach them about healthy eating as well as horticulture.

Mr Capstick said: “This is a project that has got everything. The children are being taught life skills, of understanding healthy eating and where food comes from. We are hoping to get all parts of the school involved with the kitchen recycling its waste to creating compost for the allotments.” Mr Capstick hopes to get the allotments up and running soon, with fencing for the area being put up over half term.

He said: “We are looking for local companies to donated gardening equipment, or expertise. We are hoping that people donate because we are really starting from scratch.”

Mr Capstick is the new executive head of Mountford Manor Primary School after taking over in September. He still holds his role as head of Drove Primary, where he achieved a Pride of Swindon award for his work in the community.

To get involved with the project or to donate materials contact Mr Capstick by e-mailing head@ mountfordmanor.swindon.sch.uk or call 01793 536494.