Veterans’ allotment project is taking shape

VIC member Keith Edgar and VIC Outreach Worker Tony Stubbs creating a chicken coop for the allotment in Middleton

An allotment plot is being developed by a veterans’ charity to help people struggling to cope with transition after life in the forces.

Veterans In Communities (VIC) Outreach Worker Tony Stubbs is leading the charity’s project in Middleton.

He said: “We are building a mesh chicken coop for the community group where they will be able to keep chickens for all the groups that have allotments and we also have use of a communal growing tunnel.

“I know the difference getting involved with a project can make. It helps improve mental health problems and it gets veterans interested in doing something that takes them out of their house spending time in the outdoors.”

Tony works with VIC and for the Military Veterans Service.

VIC Chief Executive Liz Hamilton was delighted to see how the allotment was progressing.

She said: “Councillor Sue Smith is providing us with a polytunnel for the plot and Keith Edgar and Tony are doing a great job making the chicken coop.

“We have also had partnership working with a volunteer from Status 4 All helping to rotavate the soil ready for planting.

“I think the allotment will be a major asset to the work that VIC has been carrying out in the Middleton area and will help so many clients to have an outlet to improve their health.”