ALLOTMENT holders have reaped the reward of a bumper harvest – and a £500,000 windfall.
Growers at the Saltings Allotments, on Littlefield Lane, celebrated the completion of the regeneration of the site with a produce show.
It came after the sale of some of the plots next to Westward Ho, where a new medical centre was built.
An agreement following the sale of the land for £525,000 more than five years ago, which led to the money being ring-fenced for use on the site, gave the allotment holders the chance to improve the water supply, drainage, road access, a community hub and the creation of 13 more plots.
They have spent more than £400,000 improving facilities including an extension to the allotments' central hall.
It has a new kitchen, windows and a wood burner.
The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Peggy Elliott, unveiled a plaque to the new hub for the growers.
It has a new roof, committee room and secure storage facility for machinery.
Councillor Elliott joked that the only thing she knew about allotments was what she saw on EastEnders.
She said: "Most of that action goes on in the shed. It is a real family affair here on the allotments.
"I am impressed with the love and care that goes into the allotments.
"People know what they are eating. There is a waiting list for allotments in North East Lincolnshire and we have more allotments than most of the local authorities in the country.
"When I retire I might just get myself an allotment, as I love to cook with fresh vegetables."
She was guided around the improved facilities with her consort, Steve Elliott, by allotment chairman Winston Rose.
He said the produce entered in the show would be donated to St Andrew's Hospice.
Mr Rose said: "It has been a fantastic show; the best we have had since we started in 2009.
"The allotments have improved a lot, including the water services and drainge, but there is still work to be done.
"Future generations will see the benefits. We have a fantastic community spirit here. Everyone pulls their weight and we have a wonderful social side."
There are 130 allotments on the site and the growers are due to form a ladies sub-committee shortly in order to expand the preserves side.
Gardening expert Alan Fletcher judged the produce show.
He said: "The quality is wonderful. The allotment holders are harvesting and enjoying the reward for all their hard work.
"People have lots of things to fill their freezers and wine bottles."
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