GREEN campaigners are applauding after a composting toilet has finally opened in a popular Chester allotment.
More than two years ago Hoole Allotments and Gardeners Association (HAGA) began looking for funding to purchase and install a toilet on their site, which has more than 200 plots.
The association approached Hoole and Newton ward councillor Bob Thompson for support from his members budget and he started the funding pot off with a contribution of £500.
“I was pleased to support the project as many local residents have a plot at the Hoole allotment site” said Cllr Thompson.
“Also the composition of the allotment holders is changing with more families than ever involved and more people looking to eat locally grown produce, and are more interested in 'Grow Your Own' and in healthy eating.”
From there HAGA approached the Area Partnership Board for Chester to see if the project would fit in with their priorities and was delighted that the board were able to help, not just with funding toward the purchase costs, but to install the toilet.
One of the key partners on the Chester Area Partnership Board, Chester and District Housing Trust (CDHT), carried out the project management, supervision and construction of the project for free as a form of match-funding.
John Denny, chairman of the Area Partnership Board and chief executive of CDHT, said: “The project fits in with the board’s strategic priorities on environmental sustainability, training, health improvement and developing community-based regeneration. It will allow the allotments to diversify into a range of other activities involving local groups and charities.”