Scrapped post to return to support allotments, bowling greens, parks and more

This comes after long running calls for Bolton Council to bring back the role of a full-time allotments officer.

At a full meeting of the council this week, the authority agreed to recruit a new greenspace liaison and asset compliance officer.

Bolton Council cabinet member for climate change and environment Cllr Richard Silvester said: “There have been representations made to me for some time now, which I have fully supported, for the re-introduction of an officer to liaise with allotment tenants and to inspect allotment sites.

“The problem has always been finding the funding for such a council role, however I have always said that if I could find the funding, it would be a priority to create such an officer position.

Cllr Richard Silvester with members of the Communities First Group including Cllr Hanif Alli, Cllr Charlotte Moncado-Sears, Cllr Samantha Williamson, Cllr Ayyub Patel and Cllr Ryan Bamforth (Image: Public)

Calls to bring back a full-time allotments officer have been made repeatedly ever since the post was abolished back in 2014 as part of council budget cuts.

In June this year the Bolton Green Party said they were campaigning to bring back the post after widespread funding announcements for the boroughs parks and cemeteries were announced.

At the time Green Party chair Alan Johnson said keeping allotments can been good for people’s health and can help them in harsh economic times.

Labour’s Cllr Silvester said: “I have been specifically working with councillors from the Communities First group who agree with me 100 per cent on this issue, and in particular Cllr Hanif Alli of the Green Party.

“Because of some savings which were found elsewhere corporately within Bolton Council, £100,000 became available and so this has now been allocated to fund an officer for a two-year temporary period.

An allotment in Bolton (Image: Public)

“It became apparent that the role could be expanded to include inspections and liaison with bowling and sports clubs and other environmental assets which the council has responsibility for.

“This is another win-win situation for the greenspace of Bolton and most certainly allotment sites.

“I am very pleased indeed and I would like to thank all members of the Communities First group for their support and for working productively together with me on this.”

The newly recruited officer will work to manage plot allocations, tenancy records and waiting lists.

They will also ensure compliance with tenancy agreements, site rules, and maintenance standards as well as investigating and resolving tenancy breaches, disputes and complaints.

The role will also involve providing guidance to tenants on cultivation standards, site safety, and good environmental practice.

The officer will inspect parks and open spaces and liaise with bowling clubs and sports facility users on smooth operation, maintenance, and compliance with management agreements.

The Green Party’s Cllr Hanif Alli said he welcomed the announcement on behalf of the Communities First group.

This group includes Cllrs Charlotte Moncado-Sears, Ryan Bamforth, Samantha Williamson, and Ayyub Patel.

He said: “This is wonderful news.

“Our group has been campaigning for the reinstatement of this officer role to support allotments, and we’re pleased that the wider remit will also benefit sports and bowling clubs.

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“When councillors work together constructively, this is the kind of outcome we can achieve for the borough.

“It’s grown-up politics, and the result is better service for residents and better stewardship of our environment.

“We’ve appreciated working alongside Cllr Silvester to make this happen.”

The council is expected to start recruitment soon and the new officer is expected to be in post in the new year.

Source – INDIA TV