GARDENERS are digging for victory - and look set to win their campaign to get allotments in Kesgrave.

GARDENERS are digging for victory - and look set to win their campaign to get allotments in Kesgrave.

The green-fingered group have formed an association and are now formally asking the town council to provide an area of land where they can grow their fruit and veg.

Around 70 people attended a meeting to set up the Kesgrave Allotment and Leisure Gardener's Association (KALGA) and now fundraising is to take place to help pay for a site and work in partnership with the town council.

Association publicity officer Max Newport said residents Peter and Tricia Bradbrook set the wheels in motion to create allotments for the town.

They sought advice from Karen Kenny, eastern region representative for the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners, who told them that under the 1908 Allotment Act if six residents or more make written representation to the town or parish council requesting allotments, the council has a statutory duty to provide them.

Mr Newport said: “In the event no less than 70 arrived for the meeting, all intent in helping to achieve the reality of allotments for their town.

“Kesgrave residents could create local history by providing a valuable community asset for both the present and future generations.

“The meeting was also attended by some members of the town council and a district councillor who all expressed their interest in the project.

“The room was buzzing with enthusiasm and in no time a constitution was agreed and a full committee elected.”

The committee - to be chaired by Peter Bradbrook - will meet for the first time on February 16.

The popularity of keeping an allotment has rocketed recently, largely due to the economic benefits of growing vegetables.

Anyone who would like to join the association should contact secretary Tricia Bradbrook on 01473 623821 or email tricia@bradbrookhome.freeserve.co.uk.

Should an allotment be created in Kesgrave? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk