VILLAGERS in Times Territory can now grow their own vegetables thanks to a collaboration between residents and councillors.

A year-and-a-half of planning and hard work by residents of parish councillors of Woolmer Green has resulted in the creation of 23 individual plots of land on which up to 40 villagers, as well as students at St Michael’s Woolmer Green School, are able to grow fruit, veg and flowers.

The allotments include fencing, an access track and a rain harvesting system, to provide water throughout the year.

On Saturday, villagers held an open day showing off the new allotments, which were funded by a �14,000 Community Chest grant from Welwyn Hatfield Council, plus a �1,000 donation from county councillor Richard Smith’s locality budget.

Welwyn Hatfield Council leader John Dean said: “We hope that the community get much enjoyment and satisfaction from the new allotments, and look forward to seeing some of the produce next year.”

The land was leased to the parish council by farmer John Wallace, following negotiations with parish clerk Janet Pearce.

Parish councillor Judith Watson said: “I would like to express my congratulations to everyone involved in the project,” she said.