A PROPOSAL to transform green open spaces into communal allotments for residents has been put forward by a councillor, writes Kate Ferguson. Anthony Dunn, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Kilburn, has written to the head of the Parks Service at Brent Co

A PROPOSAL to transform green open spaces into communal allotments for residents has been put forward by a councillor, writes Kate Ferguson.

Anthony Dunn, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Kilburn, has written to the head of the Parks Service at Brent Council asking if three open green spaces adjacent to housing estates in Kilburn, can be converted into communal allotments for residents.

The proposed sites include land adjacent to James Stuart House, in Dyne Road, and in Chippenham Gardens, off Stuart Road.

Cllr Dunn said that the sites are rarely used by residents, who fear they are unsafe.

Converting them into allotments, he argues, would offer families who have little access to land the opportunity to play and work on it, while promoting a more sustainable living environment by enabling them to grow their own food.

Cllr Dunn said: "There are a number of green areas which are intended for use by residents, but because nobody 'owns' the space, they are left unused.

"My proposal would mean incorporating this space into the physical boundary of the building so that they can grow fruit and vegetables on it.

"So, rather than parents having to send their children into a large empty green space, it becomes more like a garden."

The proposal would see areas of open land currently accessible to the public fenced off, accessible to residents only by key.

Mary Arnold, Labour councillor for Kilburn, said she is in favour of creating allotments for people living in adjacent housing estates, but would not support using open spaces intended for play and recreation.

Cllr Arnold said: "I would encourage people to have a chance to grow their own fruit and vegetables, but it cannot be at the expense of the open spaces on the estate.

"If there are suitable spaces that don't detract from the open spaces people at large can already enjoy, then it is something I would encourage."

A council spokeswoman said there is a chronic shortage of sites across the borough due to unprecedented demand in recent years but there could be a new site in Gladstone Park.

She added: "A further two sites have also been identified elsewhere in the south of the borough but the development of these sites is still in the early stages of negotiations.