A NEW allotment is to be created in Taunton’s Higher Holway.

Plenty of interest was shown in the grow-your-own plots at Holly Close at a meeting with Taunton Deane Council.

A committee to run the site, which will have smaller than normal plots to encourage first-time growers, will be set up next week.

The allotment will be eco-friendly, using harvested rainwater rather than mains supplies.

A Deane spokeswoman said demand for allotments is increasing locally, although demand is outstripping supply, with a three-year waiting list for plots on the council’s 20 sites in Taunton, Wellington and the surrounding villages.

Cllr Catherine Herbert, the council’s leisure services portfolio holder, said she was delighted by the response at the inaugural meeting.

She added: “More and more people are keen to grow their own fruit and vegetables - it means you know the produce is fresh and reduces the miles that food travels before reaching your plate.

“There will be expert advice available to support the new allotment association as they set up the new site, and I look forward to watching the site develop and grow.”

The meeting to form a committee will be held at the Deane House, in Belvedere Road, Taunton, at 6pm next Thursday, February 10.