Planting pride in South Shore at Peter’s Patch

South Shore’s new community allotment is now open and benefitting the local community.

I had the privilege of officially opening Peter’s Patch at the back of Highfield Park. I was proud to support the project by The Hub at South Shore with £5,000 from my Police and Crime Commissioner fund because this is exactly the kind of work that strengthens communities and improves people’s lives.

You only have to step inside the walled garden to understand what makes this place special. It’s not just about growing fruit and vegetables – it’s about people coming together to create something meaningful in the middle of their own neighbourhood.

The Hub’s centre manager Karen Coope spoke at the opening and told the community how this all started more than two years ago when a local resident, Sylvia from Friends of Highfield Park, gave up her own allotment plot so the project could happen. That simple act of generosity set everything in motion.

Karen and Brian Coope address the packed out crowd at the garden opening

The garden is named Peter’s Patch in memory of Peter Barcock, who sadly passed away before seeing the finished project. Peter backed the idea from the beginning and his family helped fund the early work. His support is now part of something that will benefit local people for years to come.

What struck me most was how many people rolled their sleeves up to make this happen. The Community Payback team helped transform the land, volunteers from NHS Property Services also helped clear, paint and build the allotment. Local businesses pitched in and families gave up their time.

Karen also shared the story of 94-year-old John, who has the allotment next door and I was lucky enough to meet. He calls his plot his bolt hole but when the team realised he was struggling with parts of it, they started a crowdfunding campaign to replace his shed. Our community stepped up and the target was reached in three days.

We need more projects like this across Blackpool South. Safe spaces where people can meet, learn new skills, improve their wellbeing and feel part of a community. Karen and Brian from the Hub and everyone involved should be proud of what they have built.