THE number of south Manchester allotments in south Manchester should be increased, the council’s leisure boss has said.

Councillor Mike Amesbury has announced he has made it his ‘political priority’ to support and increase allotments across the city.

He said he hopes to create 40 new plots on a piece of land near Southern Cemetery, on the border of Chorlton and Whalley Range.

The executive member for arts and leisure said: "We have had a great deal of feedback on Manchester's allotments and have listened to suggestions about how we can meet the aspirations and needs of people city-wide.

"It is my political priority to increase the number and usage of allotments in south Manchester. We are looking at creating an additional 40 plots at Southern Cemetery. I’m fairly confident that this will happen as it is my political ambition to maximize green spaces and allotments across the city.

"Our parks have more Green Flags than any other UK city and I would like to see the same kind achievement with our allotments."

Last month, the Environment Agency announced it was considering proposals to cut a flood channel through Bradley Fold allotments in Didsbury, reducing the number of plots by half to 40.

There is currently a list of 62 residents waiting for a space at the 80-plot site.

Coun Amesbury said: "I don’t want to see the reduction of allotments at Bradley Fold even as a ‘worse case scenario’. We are working with the Environment Agency and stake-holders to come up with an alternative solution. Anything that happens at Bradley Fold is like to be four years away."

Withington MP John Leech has begun a campaign to reinstate Parrs Wood allotments, which closed in 1993.

Coun Amesbury, who says he has inherited his passion for allotments from his father, added he would also look at maximising existing allotment spaces which are not at full capacity.

"In terms of Parrs Wood, the soil isn’t good and it doesn’t suit the purpose. But, as well as looking at new spaces we need to look at any underused allotments nearby and together with the Allotment Society look at the kind of investments we can make.

"There is a ‘grow your own’ philosophy which has arisen from the credit crunch. There are quite a number of women in their 20s and 30s who have allotments in south Manchester, it’s no longer the remit of the 'flat cap brigade'. The people in this area are very passionate about allotments and green spaces."

Manchester City Council says it is committed to raising investment levels to match the community’s renewed interest in growing their own fruit and vegetables.

Bradley Fold allotment holder Geoff Bridson, of Arthog Road, said: "I am very encouraged by Councillor Amesbury’s plans, it’s good news. Allotments are a tremendous asset to communities and this is a step in the right direction.

"However, every allotment has only got a guarantee of 12 months so it is never certain how long they will remain."