There is little doubt that something needs to be done to solve the growing issues affecting Bradford’s allotments.

Despite the incredible figure of more than 1,440 people on the waiting list for one of the 1,500 plots the Council operates, there are still too many of those that are occupied not being used properly and becoming neglected or overgrown.

In a bid to tackle this issue, Bradford Council is conducting a review of the service, and is hoping voluntary groups will ultimately take on the management of sites.

It makes complete sense to use the expertise of the gardening clubs and societies that already exist on many of the district’s allotments as they are in a much better position to monitor the use of plots and ensure precious space is not being allowed to fall into neglect.

It is, of course, important the Council maintains an overview to ensure there is some accountability and the allotments don’t become the purview of cliques. But in general terms, the idea of local control by groups made up of allotment users seems to be an eminently sensible one, although it will depend on the willingness of these organisations to take the responsibility on.

In the meantime, charity Bradford Community Environment Project has been awarded a grant to take a look at how the existing waiting list could be reduced and existing plots brought back into use.

A combination of austerity and greater awareness of the value of home-grown vegetables mean the demand for allotment space is greater than ever, and sadly it seems many will remain on the waiting list for some time to come, regardless of the projects work. But at the very least it might help to weed out those who are hogging what has become a very valuable resource and allowing it to go to waste.