Brighton mum devised new radical allotment scheme (From The Argus)

Brighton mum devised new radical allotment scheme

12:20pm Friday 5th March 2010 in News By Tim Ridgway, Local government reporter

A mother-of-three's idea to sell allotment produce in shops could be rolled out across the UK.

Jenny Hawke, chairwoman of the Community Association for Higher Bevendean and South Moulsecoomb, submitted the idea under the Sustainable Communities Act.

The radical law was introduced to give ordinary people a chance to formulate Government policy.

And now her idea to allow shops to sell local allotment produce has been backed by two ministers and could be introduced around the country.

Mrs Hawke described it as “a logical step” to reduce food packaging and journeys in transporting food.

The news was announced by Communities Secretary John Denham and Environment Secretary Hilary Benn as part of a way to meet people’s demand for home-grown produce.

The Government also pledged to use Brighton and Hove as a pilot area for “land bank” - a broker group between landholders and community groups who want somewhere to grow food.

Ministers will also back Brighton and Hove City Council’s plans to identify land, in both public and private ownership, for growing food.

Deputy council leader Ayas Fallon-Khan said: “We are delighted our work is being recognised by the government.

“We’re very proud of how many community groups there are who are enthusiastically growing food in the city and want to do more.”

The Brighton and Hove Food Partnership, which has campaigned for an increase of food growing in urban settings, welcomed the Government support.