Allotments scheme aimed at helping Melton families

Melton Community Allotment, which is on a site at the country park, is designed as a resource to help some challenged residents live more fulfilling lives.

The project is being coordintaed by former Defence Animal Centre dog trainer Keily Rutherford and is supported by young people working with the Prince’s Trust.

Keily said: “I’m so excited about this project.

“It’s a space where we can educate young children about the benefits of growing food.

“It can be used by disadvantaged families who, maybe, can’t afford passes to Twinlakes.

“They can come along, enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise doing some digging for 30 minutes and go away with a bag of food they have helped grow themselves.”

The volunteer organisers of the scheme are liasing with local organisations such as Homestart and Mencap to find people who will benefit from getting involved.

Melton Mowbray Building Society has helped fund the scheme and Melton Council has also played a role in getting it off the ground.

A rota of volunteers is being set up so there is support at the site for anyone who wants to go along.

Keily added: “We are hopeing to set up a system where GPs refer people to us if they think it will help them.”

Anyone who would like to get involved in the scheme is invited to call Keily on 07769 174574.