ALLOTMENTS on a Medway conservation site will soon be ready for use, thanks to a £1000 grant from the Powergen Environment Fund.

Grain parish council chairman, Cllr Chris Buckwell, said: "Unfortunately, the allotment area fell into disuse some time ago and this grant will enable us to revitalise it with help from the community. This is an important part of the wider Grain Foreshore Project which will bring real long term benefits to both residents and wildlife."

Over the past 12 months, Groundwork Medway Swale has supervised environmental improvements to the Graint village foreshore area, including reinstatement of the allotments, which had become overgrown. Groundwork is now withdrawing from the foreshore, part of which lies within the Medway Estuary and Marshes site of special scientific interest and a site of nature conservation interest. Grain parish council wishes to continue refurbishing the area.

Caroline Anslow, Powergen's Manager of Social Affairs said: "This is a great example of a community coming together, empowering local residents into managing their own allotments and growing fresh food."