A local man is fulfilling his passion to open community allotments.
Richard Shirt, 54, from Staincross, wants local families and people who enjoy gardening or would like to learn, to come down on February 15, for the unofficial opening of the allotments on Keswick Road, Staincross.
"I've got an allotment down in Mapplewell," said Richard. "And I've seen on TV about how it changes people's lives by growing fresh fruit and vegetables. We've got a lot of children round our end who believe fruit and vegetables come from the supermarket and I just wanted to educate them really."
Richard's daughter, Geena Russell, 30, said: "Gardening has always been a passion of my dads. He also has a greenhouse in his garden and about 100 varieties of tomatoes. He loves people and the allotment will help bring the community together."
There will be paths leading from Keswick Park to the allotments, and a shed is being built to store tools.
Richard had been in talks about the allotment for years and plans finally went through last summer.
The allotment is government funded and will officially open on July 1.
For more information, visit Richard's website: www.windhillcommunityallotment.btck.co.uk
