Efforts to Preserve Northamptonshire Allotments Unsuccessful, Council Confirms

A parish council has announced the failure of negotiations aimed at preserving allotments located in a Northamptonshire village. The Cross Family, identified as the landowners of the Northampton Road site in Brixworth, issued a “notice to quit” to plot holders in September of the previous year. Brixworth Parish Council, along with the allotment tenants, had previously submitted a petition containing more than 1,000 signatures to the Conservative-controlled West Northamptonshire Council. This action was taken in an attempt to transfer the allotments into parish ownership and safeguard their continued use. Nevertheless, the parish council stated that its proposal to the Cross family was deemed “not acceptable” “despite all efforts,” further indicating that “an impasse has been reached.” According to the Brixworth Allotment Association (BAA), the allotments encompass four acres and have a history extending to the 19th Century, with their initial documented reference appearing in an 1822 parliamentary document. Approximately 40 individuals, comprising both retired people and young families, cultivate the allotments. Ken Nikel, an allotment holder and member of the association, commented: “This is more than an allotment site, it is a community. “Many of us have been tending these allotments for decades – we have friendships and support networks here. “All the potential for education, and support for children and those with disadvantages will go. The loss of these allotments would be devastating.” Josie Flavell, clerk for Brixworth Parish Council, stated: “I have a duty to the ratepayers of Brixworth to ensure best value is achieved in all financial transactions. “Regretfully the council’s valuers have advised that they could not recommend to the council the terms that would be needed to meet the expectations of the Cross family.” Parish councillor Tony Nixon remarked: “At a time when biodiversity is under extreme threat and food security of great concern, it seems unthinkable that this open space is likely to be removed. “It is not just allotment holders who will be affected by this loss as excess produce from the site is distributed through our community larder.”