More than 130 wannabe gardeners are on waiting lists for council allotments, some since 2009.

Across Braintree, Witham, White Notley, Black Notley, Silver End, Steeple Bumpstead and Shalford, demand is unrelenting for plots.

In total, there are 286 applications by 138 people, some of whom have applied for plots at more than one location.

In response to demand, Braintree Council is looking to provide a new 40-50 plot site in Church Lane, Bocking, this year.

Childminder Tarnia Riches was on the waiting list for six years before finally obtaining a plot in Station Field, Braintree, in 2012.
The mum-of-two said: “We love our 'Alotomus' and it's been a great way of spending family time together outside."

*See the paper for full details of waiting lists for each allotment across the district.