Tracey GrayProposals to re-vamp a partly-disused allotment area and create a new improved nature reserve on the edge of Norwich have been given the thumbs up.Tracey Gray

Proposals to re-vamp a partly-disused allotment area and create a new improved nature reserve on the edge of Norwich have been given the thumbs up.

The plans, for the Hillside Allotments area, at the back of Hillside Avenue Primary School in Thorpe St Andrew,

have been put forward by Thorpe St Andrew Town councillor, Eleanor Laming.

They were discussed at a meeting of the town council on Monday night , who agreed to look into the feasibility of updating and improving the area, some of which has become a dumping ground for rubbish.

Ms Laming said: 'This has grown out of some concern about the area from members of the public and tree wardens.

'The proposals are to have the site as a nature reserve and improve the car parking there and to develop the north-west of the site.

'There could even be a new community building on the north-west of the site.'

A report looking at the possibility of re-vamping the site included details of what could be done with site including installing a gate to make sure vehicles do not get onto the nature reserve.

The report states: 'The brambles on the east side could be left for wildlife and incorporated into the nature reserve.

'At the moment the south site allotments are tidy and kept well. The plots on the north-east site that have fallen into disuse and are used for rubbish dumping at the moment, could be turned into at least one plot to hire out.

'There is a nature reserve already on the site, but this could be improved overall.

'There is also pedestrian access from a path at the back of Hillside School via a gate for which the town council has a key. There could be a gate put in to stop vehicles entering the nature reserve.'

As yet there are no indications as to what the improvement work may cost, but once the plans have been looked into, they will go before the town council's finance committee for approval before any work is started.

Do you have a story for the Evening News? If so contact reporter Tracey Gray on 01603 772418 or email tracey,gray@archant.co.uk