GREEN-fingered locals from New Cumnock are being urged to back plans to create an allotment in the town.

A meeting is being held next month to decide if there is enough interest going forward.

The proposals will be put forward at an informal meeting on Wednesday, October 1 at the Community Centre.

Organiser Eric Bennett said: “We have no idea where the allotment will go but I have a couple of ideas.

“There is plenty of space in New Cumnock, owned by East Ayrshire Council, that I’m sure would be perfect for us.

“The biggest issue would probably be security but that is something we could deal with at the time.

“There definitely seems to be a lot of interest in the idea. But whether it comes to anything depends on whether we can follow up that interest.

“We will find out on October 1.” As part of the Community Empowerement Scotland Bill, local authorities are being encouraged to make sites available for communities interested in setting up allotments.

In East Ayrshire, the closes allotments are in Kilmarnock, although there is one planned for Auchinleck, and it’s hoped that New Cumnock will get it’s own plot.

Eric added: “I can’t remember the exact figure but it was something like 30 per cent of people in New Cumnock can’t drive or don’t have access to a car.

“So there is nothing for them locally and I know there are a lot of keen gardners here. When I lived in England there was five-year waiting lists to get plots at allotment. Hopefully we’ll get the same sort of interest here.” A spokesperson for East Ayrshire Council said: “We do not currently have any Council-run allotment sites. We have undertaken initial survey work with community councils on allotment demand and interest and we recognise the Council’s role in facilitating and supporting allotment groups where demand exists. We will provide support and advice to interested community groups to establish allotments.” There are posters advertising the event displayed throughout New Cumnock. It kicks off at 7pm.