WHISPERING SMITH: Spring’s promise of hope and spuds, down on the plot

In just a few weeks you could turn one potato into a plate full of them - why would you not want that? SUS-150225-UO104700005

SPRING has arrived in Littlehampton, with the new Pier Road river walkway being a crowded favourite, along with our super beach.

But for me, it signalled the return to the allotment, meeting old friends, digging, weeding, planting the beans, the spuds and, I do sincerely hope, shedding a few pounds along the way.

With certain reservations, I do believe the town council is a great provider and is value for our money, never more so than with the continued provision of allotments. Sure, the bees are a pain – thrice experienced last year – and the wretched gate padlock that will often not respond to the issued key can be pretty frustrating, but they are small potatoes compared to the benefits of this wonderful facility. Unlike Arun District Council, the town council with its limited resources does seem to care about us and our needs. I guess this is because members actually do reside here, whereas not one of the Arun cabinet members does.

Butterflies, birds and the smell of new-mown grass – I am surely in clover this week.