A newly formed tenants association will take over the management of two allotment sites in Embsay and Eastby The Embsay with Eastby Allotment Association – made up of tenant volunteers working closely with the National Society of Allotment Gardens – has signed an agreement with the parish council following lengthy negotiations.

“Over the past several years, the parish council had become increasingly aware that local allotment sites were better maintained and cared for when managed by tenants themselves rather than by a parish council,” said Coun Trevor Kent, lead member of the allotments working party. “Arrangements were put in place to commence the process of self management last year and thanks to the interest and dedication of a small group of volunteertenants, working closely with the parish council, the various stages of the process have been achieved.”

Parish council chairman Coun Gill Quinn added: “We already have early confirmation that the two local allotment sites will be better cared for by the tenants themselves. The tenants association has set up its own website and is planning a number of events and seeking grants from outside bodies.

“We take great pride in what has been achieved by putting the Government’s concept of ‘localism’ into actual practice. We look forward to a long and productive relationship between our parish council and the Embsay with Eastby Allotment Association.”

The formation of the association has been spearheaded by John Cahill, initially a volunteer link between the tenants and the parish council and now chairman of the new group.

“The newly formed association hopes to build on the enthusiasm of its members to promote good gardening and a community spirit within the two allotment sites,” he said. “We are planning to have a discount seed scheme and a newsletter and we look forward to the association flourishing in the future.”