For the first time, York wheelchair users can have their own allotment

Despite work to increase accessibility, there are still some places out of bounds for people in wheelchairs.

These included allotments – until now.

In a first for York, the city now has wheelchair-friendly plots.

City of York Council awarded £18,000 to York Allotments CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) and Green Lane Growers to create six wheelchair accessible plots on the Green Lane site in Acomb.

Thanks to a collaboration between a number of contractors and an energetic bunch of volunteers, the project is now complete.

Opening party

This Saturday sees a grand opening party when York Central MP Rachael Maskell will cut the ribbon.

Secretary of Green Lane Allotments Association Colin Smith said: “Anyone is welcome to attend but we are extending a special welcome to wheelchair users who have waited too long for an opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of allotment gardening.”

Each of the new tenants will have access to two large purpose-built raised beds, one inside a large polytunnel and one outside. Both beds have a mains supply of water.

Tenants will also have exclusive use of newly built toilet facilities.

Find out more on the York Allotments CIO website.