With many people adopting a healthy lifestyle, preferring to eat organic produce and seeking a means of escape from hectic work schedules, the popularity of the allotment is gaining momentum.

Although there is allotment space within East Lothian, management of such amenities varies according to the individual site. Musselburgh is covered by an extremely well run association, there are a number of smaller Council owned sites that require a review of their management.

In Musselburgh, there is a waiting list of around 40 names. Accordingly the Council intends to undertake a review of allotments, considering the following key points:

• Management of existing sites
• What Statutory and policy obligations the Council has in terms of provision
• Exactly what local demand there is

Subject to the outcome of this review, if demand appears to exceed availability, the Council will then consider it's position with regard the number of allotments it provides and how, if possible, to meet local demand.

This may include establishing appropriate bodies to provide and manage facilities at local level. We can only provide more allotments if suitable land can be identified that won't erode the Council's efforts to provide affordable housing and other statutory facilities within the area.

It is hoped that this review will be undertaken over the summer of 2006 and an options paper submitted to the Council for consideration. In the meantime, if you have an interest in allotments and wish to make your views known, please contact Stuart Pryde, Principal Amenity Officer on 01620 827430.