Disabled-friendly allotments are opened (From Keighley News)

Disabled-friendly allotments are opened

10:30am Saturday 21st February 2009

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An allotment designed to be fully accessible to the disabled has been created in Keighley.

The site, off Arncliffe Road, includes nine raised wooden beds for growing vegetables and other plants.

Paths and ramps suitable for wheelchair users link the beds and there are hand and grab rails.

The scheme also features compost and storage facilities and a water tap.

The allotment — built for Keighley Town Council by a private contractor — has transformed a formerly rundown plot into a community facility fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Funding for the scheme has been provided by the Incommunities Foundation, which gave a £2,000 grant, Keighley Town Council and Bradford Council’s area committee.

The site will be managed by the town council’s allotment service.

An official opening was performed last Thursday by Councillor Brian Morris, chairman of the town council’s allotment committee, and Doris Sunter, from the Incommunities Foundation board.

They were joined by Cllr Glen Miller, chairman of Keighley Area Committee.

Cllr Morris said: “We are very proud of this new facility, which has been designed and developed with the help of staff and users from the Temple Row Centre.

“The town council is also very grateful to Incommunities Foundation and the Keighley Area Committee. Their support has been key to delivering this important community facility.”

Cllr Miller said: “These allotments will provide a valuable outdoor resource which will, hopefully, encourage disabled residents to enjoy gardening. It will also improve their wellbeing and encourage them to enjoy this healthy activity.”

Mrs Sunter said: “Incommunities Foundation is delighted to support this excellent community scheme. I’m sure it will prove a very popular facility for local residents, including Incommunities’ older tenants living in the area.”

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