Concern over council plan to create allotments in Lodge Moor park

The authority is considering using part of Spider Park in Lodge Moor as an allotment site, with a new car park.

The council says there is a 'lack of provision' in the area.

But people living nearby say they don't want to lose any of their park, and have raised concerns about safety and privacy.

Margaret Cawthrone, who lives right next to the proposed allotment site, is particularly angry.

"It's a space for people in this area," she said. "It's not a space for a few people to grow potatoes that may not even live here."

The loss of open space is one of the concerns.

"It's a much-loved, well used green space," said Margaret. "It's the only open space available to the people of Lodge Moor. We are surrounded by fields but they belong to farmers."

Safety is also an issue.

"On Blackbrook Road there are already too many people parking, from people unable or unwilling to come on foot.

"Allotments will create more parking. People will still bring their cars.

"It's chaos in the summer holidays."

Margaret said she had already taken three dogs to the vets which had run out of the park and got hit by cars.

"Children will hurt themselves," she added.

Margaret also believes the land is not good enough to grow plants or crops on. And she has her own fears about privacy, as she overlooks the site.

"Because I can see them, they can see me. I'm quite frightened about that."

She added: "The value of my property will plummet."

Park user Garry Smith added: "This site is singularly unsuitable for allotments, it is a north facing slope with poor quality soil, poor drainage and a very short growing season due the the altitude and strong winds.

"Also at a time of massive cuts and job losses where is the money coming from? The allotments office is self funded and on a standstill budget with a reducing service year on year."

And Sam Saunders, chairman of the Hallam Community and Youth Association, raised a number of objections. He said: "Spider Park field is our prized, open, green space, continuous with the countryside beyond. It is an open and peaceful oasis passed “in a green belt” journey from busy Crimicar Lane, past the cricket club, the children’s playground to the conduit path leading out towards Wyming Brook and beyond.

"It should remain untouched."

The council will hold a public meeting at St Luke’s Church in Blackbrook Road from 6.30pm tonight (Monday, November 14).

The council's cabinet advisor for environment Tony Downing said: “An area of green space off Blackbrook Road has been identified as a potential space for new allotments.

"We are consulting with local residents to find out what people think about this suggestion.

"No plans will be developed until we have heard the views of local residents. If there is support for this idea, we will develop detailed plans for further consultation."

People can have their say by calling 0114 273 4528, e-mailing [email protected] or in writing to Allotment Office, West Wing, Level 3, Moorfoot, Sheffield, S1 4PL by November 30.

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