Confusion over future of communal veg patch in Boscombe

The patch, which is free for anybody to use and take the vegetables, forms part of BCP Council’s ASPIRE project. 

ASPIRE helps the unemployed reach a healthy weight and gain employment in areas where levels of unemployment and obesity are abnormally high. 

Vegetables are free for the unemployed and obese

But the programme, funded partly by €10million from the European Regional Development Fund and partners across southern England and northern France, will run until February 2023. 

Mr Sherbourne, who maintains the vegetable patch, said: “It’s more than disappointing, criminal charges should be brought. The lack of paperwork, accountability and due process is shocking. 

“The council has been making off-the-cuff decisions and awarding contracts. The Joy Café, also in Churchill Gardens, just presume it’ll be theirs. 

Tomatoes, potatoes, cauliflowers and more are grown here

“The idea of this garden was for the community to grow fresh fruits and vegetables and to help obese people. There was a target to help just over 200 people. 

“They were supposed to get involved with preparation of food, growing food and serving up food. But none of that has happened. 

“There are lots of little pocket groups; gym groups, meditation groups. But they’re all claiming £100 an hour fees because there is so much money on the table. 

Funding will run out in February next year

“We’re more concerned about saving the allotment when the money’s run out.  

“We’d like to see the old Joy Café building turned into a creative arts place, and help mental health.” 

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “The growing area is managed by the ASPIRE project team and plans for its future use will be developed over the coming months.  

“Our partners, Grounded Community, have been working closely with volunteers in the growing area to plant and tend a range of vegetables and produce, some of which has been made available to the wider community.  

“Unfortunately, they have had to temporarily withdraw from Churchill Gardens because of a number of incidents but are working closely with BCP Council and residents to resolve the situation and enable a swift return in the near future. 

“Joy Café have no involvement in the management of ASPIRE or the running of the growing area. We are delighted that the café is now open and providing a valuable service to all of the community.”