Gardeners Ask for Asbestos Removal

Article Added May 24th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story

Gardeners from the Higham Hill Common Allotments Association are requesting that the government remove dangerous asbestos from their allotments, a request that will cover 20 to 30 lots in the area.

The campaign was brought before the council, and has been a concern for the past two years. An additional appeal during the meeting was unrelated. The plots have been out of use due the health concern of asbestos exposure. The benefit would be twofold, since a waiting list has been established for the lots and the land is currently unused. The lots are a part of the oldest community gardening areas, with current tenants and volunteers taking on work to regenerate the area.

Though several unique plant varieties have pushed Kew Gardens to acknowledge it as a site of interest, the site needs to be cleaned before more people come forward to rent the lots. The council was approached with the clean up in mind, but has not been responsive though it is their responsibility. The government points out that many sites are the council’s responsibility, with few resources allocated to the group. Additional funding by the council is being petitioned for the removal of the asbestos left by previous plot holders.

Article Added May 24th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story