B.F.A.L.G. - Cray Road Regeneration

A few years ago, Bexley had so many vacant plots, the council wanted to reduce the number of sites in the borough. It didn’t happen, and now most of the sites are thriving and have waiting lists.

But one site continued to decline until it was so overgrown with brambles and saplings covering sheds and old coldframes that it seemed beyond redemption. When the last plotholder gave up in 2007, the Council closed the site while it’s fate was considered.

BFALG were keen to help keep the site and on 24th September 2008, working parties swung into action. Volunteers from other allotment sites joined council officers, local residents and council contractors to start clearing the site by hand. Then a local businessman offered the use of a JCB and driver and things really got going. The Probation Service also sent a party to help and now, mid-October, the site is completely cleared and leveled.

There is still much to do – new fence, water supply, new gates and the land ploughed, harrowed and marked out. But thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of everyone concerned, Cray Road Allotments is back in business. And in particular we thank the Council officer who organized and oversaw the work and the local businesses, Enterprise Cars and Wyndham Site Services (UK) Ltd for their generous support.

You can see from the photographs below, just what an amazing achievement this has been.