Call to turn unused open spaces into Coventry community gardens and allotments

[dutchman]

Reform proposal to utilise forgotten plots of land is given council backing



Pockets of unused council land across Coventry could be turned into community gardens and allotments after a motion put forward by Reform was backed by councillors. And it is hoped that young people will get behind the project, giving them pride in something they help to create.

Cllr Marcus Lapsa spoke passionately about his hopes for a greener city at this week’s [Tuesday] full council meeting, adding the plan could also help families tackle rising food costs by growing their own fresh produce. It would also create safe meeting spaces for some of those feeling isolated.

He said: “In today’s world we need space for wellbeing. This motion brings an idea that is simple and practical, deeply beneficial to our community and transforms land into public spaces including community allotments and gardens. Across our city we have patches of land sitting empty. Unused corners, forgotten plots and areas that serve no purpose other than being reminders of what could be.

"Yet these very spaces hold enormous potential. By opening them up for public use we can provide spaces to bring people together, improve wellbeing and give our youth meaningful alternatives to negative and harmful behaviours.

“Community allotments and gardens are more than just places to grow food. They are places where people grow connection, confidence and purpose; where residents come together to cultivate a shared space and something powerful happens. People from different backgrounds meet, talk and build relationships. These gardens become safe, welcoming environments especially for individuals who feel isolated including those from refugee and migrant backgrounds, the elderly and those families who don’t have access to green spaces.

“Perhaps one of the most important benefits lies with our young people. Too often, youths who feel bored, disconnected or unsupported can be vulnerable to addiction, anti-social behaviour or peer pressure. By creating vibrant community spaces, we offer them something different – a positive alternative, a chance to learn skills, be outdoors, work as a team and to take pride in something they help build.

“The beauty of this proposal is that it is low cost, high impact and community driven. When local people are empowered to care for a shared space, they do so with pride and responsibility.”

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Labour's cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, gave his backing even though he explained the council was already working on some of the ideas. These included using underutilised land for community gardens and making better use of the allotments – all part of the climate change strategy.

He added: “We have employed a coordinator to work with community groups and teams within the council and we have just secured just under £1m from Nature Towns and Cities to identify how we can make better use of natural spaces for people in our city. Clearly there is a lack of green space in Coventry, that is widely accepted. We are the 54th greenest city in the country.”

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/safe-space-hope-community-gardens-33007594