Wymondham allotment holders evicted by Anglian Water

But the arrival of a shock eviction notice means discontent is now growing among gardeners. 

The five-acre site is owned by Anglian Water and is being shut down to make way for the expansion of its treatment centre, which overlooks the allotments.

Furious custodians of the 130 plots have brought out their pitchforks against Wymondham Town Council, which has a duty to provide allotments if there is a demand, accusing the authority of failing to take appropriate steps to secure their future. 

A gloomy day at Wymondham allotments (Image: Denise Bradley) HORTICULTURAL HOTSPOT

There have been eight allotments on Chapel Lane for many years but the number of plots was expanded significantly in 2007 and the site has grown in popularity ever since.

Dozens of locals now tend to fruits and vegetables across more than 100 allotments. 

Demand has remained high over the years and there is still an extensive waiting list of around 40 people hoping to secure a spot. 

Theresa Ready, allotment holder in Wymondham (Image: Denise Bradley) READ MORE: Council still trying to sell controversial golf club a YEAR after process started

The allotments have become a tight-knit community and members often organise social events and arrange the donation of kilos of produce to local food banks.

The land is owned by Anglian Water but leased to Wymondham Town Council, which manages the site and is responsible for providing allotments for locals.

UNEXPECTED EVICTION

The allotment holders received a letter form the town council last week instructing them to vacate their plots by December 2025. 

This is due to the expansion of Anglian Water's treatment centre, which will include building a storm tank to hold excess water during heavy rainfall and new technology to treat chemicals. 

The water treatment centre next to the allotments (Image: Denise Bradley) A spokeswoman for the company said: "We know that people will be disappointed to lose their allotment plots and we're genuinely sorry that we need to take this land back from the local community.

"Making sure we spend customers' money wisely means making the best use of the land we have available to improve the treatment process in order to protect the river and the wider environment.

"We've worked closely with the town council to give allotment holders as much notice as possible, and we’ll be finding a convenient date for a community drop-in session once our plans progress further."

GARDENERS FIGHT BACK

The custodians of the plots have expressed particular fury at the unsympathetic attitude of the town council, having received their eviction notices without reassurance that councillors would endeavour to find them a new site. 

Howard Fuller, chairman of Wymondham Allotment Association, said: "This has come completely out of the blue and there hasn't been any support from the council.

"I will fight to find us a new home - even if they will not help us."

Howard Fuller, chairman of the Wymondham Allotment Association (Image: Denise Bradley) Adam Gretton, who has had his allotment for three years, said: "For a town the size of Wymondham, this is pretty devastating. 

"The council has not been sympathetic and not acknowledged the impact this will have on people. It feels a bit harsh and has been a big shock."

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Adam Gretton (Image: Denise Bradley) Mr Gretton, like many in the community, visits the allotments with his young children to teach them about where their food comes from. 

Maria Hutson, who also has an allotment, said: "We grow our vegetables here and it means the kids eat things they never would otherwise.

"There will be no more sprouts at Christmas lunch after this."

Maria Hutson (Image: Denise Bradley)For Sam Holden, the site has particularly special memories, having visited the plot with her son Jordan before he passed away suddenly, at the age of 29.

She said: "I came down here a lot after we lost him as it helped to clear my head.

"I don't know what to do now. This is a such a nice, relaxing place."

Sam Holden (Image: Denise Bradley) Stuart Crowther is a relatively new member of the community - having had his allotment for just two years.

He added: "We have spent thousands of pounds on our plot and months bringing it up to scratch.

"We've only just got there and now I don't know what's going to happen."

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Stuart Crowther (Image: Denise Bradley) Jenny Blanchflower added: "This isn't just about gardening. It's much more than that."

UNCERTAIN FUTURE

Following the delivery of eviction notices through the doors of allotment holders, the town council took to Facebook to announce their commitment to looking for new sites.

The home of Wymondham Allotment Association (Image: Denise Bradley) Suzanne Nuri-Nixon, chair of the council and mayor of the town, said: "I know that allotment holders will be very disappointed with this news and as a council we are also saddened that Anglian Water are ending the lease on this land earlier than expected.

"The town council is actively looking for a new site and I ask any landowners who may have a potential site to contact us."

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Local councillor Michael Rosen visited the allotments to speak with concerned members (Image: Denise Bradley) Michael Rosen, a town councillor and district councillor for Wymondham, said: "While Anglian Water are absolutely entitled to do this, the town council needs to work with the people here and find a solution that suits everyone.

"This shouldn't be divisive and factionary - we can all work together and try to preserve what is a fantastic community resource."