Utilise the council’s communication network for the benefit of your project.
If the council are involved in your project, maybe their communication/ press department can help you write a press release and issue it to all the correct contacts within the local press – after all, your project is benefitting the people of your area, involved the council and shines a light of great things that are happening. Or they could send a communication out on your behalf. Incredible Edible Wakefield ran consultation meetings on behalf of the council on the use of allotments and the Communities Directorate sent the information to every plot owner in the council area.
Access to land
Local councils have a lot of land which could easily be used by groups to grow things on. These could include unused allotment plots, grounds of council buildings that have now changed use (such as an old school, now used by community groups or as offices who don’t use the grounds), planters, flower beds and/ or corners of parks, verges or areas of planting outside buildings where inedible bushes could be replaced by edible fruit or vegetables.
Access to buildings
Local councils have a lot of buildings which could be used by groups as a place for people to meet over food, be used as a community kitchen or a community cafe etc. If you have a proposal and want to either have a trial run or make something more long term, then you could explore asset transfer with your local council.
reclaim back alleys
A lot of communities are starting to reclaim back alleys and turn them into lovely communal areas where residents can come together, grow a few things and create a safe place for children to enjoy. These spaces belong to local councils yet nearly all of them are really keen to see them better used as this helps reduce anti-social behaviour, fly tipping and littering. Therefore, if this is something you want to do contact your local council as they could support you with:
- cleaning of back alleys using Street Scene equipment and removal of dumped rubbish
- working to stop people dumping rubbish in alleys through the Enforcement department
- potentially installing communal rubbish and recycling bins
If you have a communal alley and want to be inspired, here is a great video below showing how a group of neighbours came together to transform alleys, and their sense of community, in Middlesbrough.
Funding and Support
Money can be sought from a number of small funding pots connected with the local council Community or Public Health departments.
Departments such as Economic Development, Public Health, Environmental Health or Procurement could be very interested in and support work related to local food, such as setting up a local food map or trail, or local food market or event.
