Councillors encourage little green fingers

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 16th Oct 2008

Liberal Democrat councillors in Rothwell have pledged funds to local primary schools in an effort to get pupils growing their own fruit and veg.

Children from Haigh Road and Rothwell Primary schools have received seeds, tools and equipment to help them grow their own produce. They were also taken to Temple Newsam park to see firsthand how they manage gardens and vegetable lots.

Speaking about the schemes, local councillor Don Wilson (Lib Dem, Rothwell) looked forward to future success:

"I am really pleased to pledge our support to schemes such as this. Learning to grow your own fruit and veg could become an increasingly useful skill, especially as we see the cost of food continue to increase. I hope all the children take the opportunity to learn as much as possible and continue to apply it in future life."

Other local organisations have also benefited from councillor support. Rothwell in Bloom have used £750 to purchase a new trailer for their mobile water tank. The group plant and maintain beds and displays throughout the area. Councillor Stewart Golton (Lib Dem, Rothwell), himself a keen gardener and local allotment holder commented:

"Supporting local organisations that work so hard to make Rothwell and Oulton such a pleasure to live in is always a good thing. These groups always try and ensure that beds and displays are as attractive as possible. It is also great to see local children taking such a keen interest in growing their own produce, hopefully the equipment we have provided schools can ensure our young children get as much pleasure from growing their own veg as I do!"