FRUIT and vegetables in Oswaldtwistle will soon be in full bloom because of improvements made to Heys allotments.

The improvements include raised beds for disabled people, a car park and a new greenhouse.

Lettings for the first batch of 38 new plots have already started.

Ward councillor Marlene Haworth said: “We are delighted to see the major improvements at Heys allotments in Oswaldtwistle and that regeneration work is continuing there.”

An additional 14 new plots were created last year and 10 tenancies terminated as a result of the council’s ‘use it or lose it’ scheme, freeing them up for others on the waiting list.

Measures have been taken to reduce flooding and the well system is to be restored in an attempt to prevent further problems.

The track leading from Heron Way to the allotments and going towards Fielding Lane has also been improved, and work completed on the two main ginnels.

An allotments competition is to be held for tenants in the summer, Coun Haworth added, with further information to be released nearer to the time.