Members of the award- community allotment winning Green Horizon project, who had just finished celebrating their ‘Most Improved’ award from ‘Ferryhill in Bloom’ for their allotment on the Storehouse site in Ferryhill, were left dismayed this week to discover that thieves had broken into the site and stolen all their spades, forks and rakes as well as other items.
The project, which is supported by two volunteers from Home Group, is open to all adults in the area and is part of Positive Horizons, an activity group which has been held every Saturday in the Dean Bank Centre for the past 12 years.
Over the past two years the project members, several of whom have disabilities, have themselves cleared a derelict allotment site, built a shelter, fenced the site and grown a wide variety of fruit and vegetables.
The group meets every week, currently on a Friday throughout the year but were appalled to see what was before them last week.
The tools were old items, donated or bought at local car-boot sales, but which are now in weekly use to dig up vegetables and prepare the ground for autumn planting.
A spokesperson for the group said; “We have been very well supported by other allotment holders – some of whom have also been broken into – and have previously had a small grant from Durham Council under the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ Project.
“But we would like to avoid spending what is left of our funds on buying new tools, so if anyone has any old but useable garden tools they could donate, we would be very grateful.
“We are always looking for new members too. We have lots of fun and there is going to be lots to do over the next few months so come and join us.” Despite this setback, the project is set to continue throughout the year and members are determined to continue to improve the allotment further with plans for a greenhouse and more flower planting next year.
Members are keen to take part in other ways to improve the area and are participating in the Spruce Up Ferryhill campaign by doing a litter-pick in the park next week.
To contact the group with donations, or to express an interest in joining the project, call Carolyn Stephenson on 07732 780386 or email saturdaypositive-horizons@gmail.com.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
