VILLAGERS are queuing up for new allotments created by a community group aiming to improve quality of life in Kingsley.

Seventeen plots being developed by members of the Kingsley Transition Initiative (KTI) have been snapped up – and there is already a waiting list of residents eager to grow-their-own on the site, just off Chapel Lane, owned by local businessman Jonathan Holt.

The KTI has masterminded the private allotments scheme – which has been approved by Cheshire West and Chester planners – and it’s understood plot-holders will be charged £50 a year, payable to Mr Holt.

KTI member Brian Leahiff who is leading the project said: “The land was kindly made available and we were given planning consent last December, but it came with conditions relating to access, road safety, screening and maintaining the existing rural character of the site which are still working on, so we are at a bit of a standstill at the moment.

“There have been concerns about overlooking from some residents in Chapel Lane and Mill Lane, but supplementary planting of an existing hedge and also planting a new hedge will address that.”

The KTI was formed in 2009 and a review of its work last year also includes four successful local produce markets and a sustainability event with talks ranging from:

Bee keeping;

Managing allotments;

Herbal medicine;

Cycling;

Walking;

Community policing;

Local produce markets will be held again this year from 9.30am to 1pm at Kingsley Community Centre on March 12, June 11, September 10 and December 3.

On March 3 there will be a hot pot supper and screening of a film on sustainable food production at the community centre at 7.30pm

Anyone interested in joining the group can visit www.kingsleyvillage.co.uk/kti or contact Simon Sherlock on 01928 787813.