Councillor Colin Couch, front, with Welwyn Hatfield Council workers and veg volunteers

A NEW communal allotment has been installed in WGC – to mark the town’s 90th anniversary.

Two public flower beds in Wigmores South have been turned into vegetable gardens by Welwyn Hatfield Council, honouring two of town founder Ebenezer Howard’s core values: self sufficiency and healthy living.

The 16 sq m plots have been transformed into vegetable gardens containing potatoes, kale, cabbages, onions, sweetcorn and lettuce.

Wicker structures for French beans, sugar snap peas and runner beans have been installed, as well as a herb planter for chocolate mint, thyme, lavender and chives.

When ripe, residents are invited to pick the fruit and veg they want – signs will be put up saying when people can begin harvesting.

Councillor Colin Couch, executive member for environment, said: “This is a lovely project; it really gives something back to the town and focuses on the original point of the garden city.

“It will also add a new aspect to the south side of the town and bring more visitors across to witness the spectacle.”

Nearby shop owners have agreed to keep the allotments maintained and watered, and the council is looking for “veg volunteers” to pick up a watering can and help out.

Cafe Trio, Space Community Centre, Favourite Pizza and Chicken and City Sounds will provide water for any green fingered residents looking to help out.