GREEN-fingered residents in Wootton Wawen are celebrating after a 10 year dream has become a reality.

A dedicated car parking area has been created at the popular community allotments off Wawensmere Road, putting an end to years of frustration.

When residents highlighted the car parking issues to the developers, who have been liaising closely with residents and neighbours, they agreed to carry out the work, totalling £5,000.

Liz Major, secretary of the Wootton Wawen Allotments and Garden Association, has been campaigning for a proper car parking area since 2001.

“Parking has always been restricted to one car and it’s hard to find somewhere to leave your car which doesn’t affect the neighbouring houses,” she said.

“When the weather’s good, there can be half a dozen cars at the allotments.

“We gained permission to create a car park around 10 years ago but the association has never had enough funds.

"When we found out that the work would be done as part of the new housing development, we were so excited because we’d waited for it for so long.”

A disused area of land at the bottom of the allotments has been made into the car parking area which has been designed in keeping with its surroundings.

It lies just inside double gates, creating safe and secure parking for residents tending their plots.

“I’m absolutely delighted that the work has been done,” said Liz.

“I really didn’t think it would ever happen and it’s going to make a huge difference to us all.”