GREEN-FINGERED residents have appealed for help from west Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison in their bid to turn an overgrown plot of land into allotments.

People who are on the waiting list for an allotment got in contact with Dr Murrison to find out why a plot of land at The Groves, in the Queens Road area of Westbury, was not being used.

Dr Murrison said: “Several constituents contacted me regarding the plot of land and I went to see the site at the weekend.

“I have been told that there are seven people on the waiting list for an allotment but I suspect there are more people who would like one, especially during the recession when people are trying to be sustainable and grow their own fruit and vegetables.”

He has now written to West Wiltshire District Council, which owns the land, asking them why it is not in use.

He said: “We should be encouraging people to grow their own fruit and vegetables in this climate and I think that land would be ideal for people on the waiting list. I am no expert but I think there are about six plots of land.”

He is hoping to get a reply from the district council although any decision will probably have to be made by the new Wiltshire Council as the new unitary authority.