NEW allotments that have transformed abandoned land in Weymouth are almost ready for public use - to the delight of town leaders who say they will be a major boost to residents' health and wellbeing.

Seven plots on the site, off Pinemoor Close, Preston, will be available to the public and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

When the builder of the Pinemoor housing development went bust, Dorset Council received money from the liquidator which was used to set up the allotment site and maintain it.

But Weymouth Town Council is in discussions to take over the maintenance and ownership.

There are currently no allotments in the Preston and Littlemoor area, and the proposed plots are expected to be met with high demand.

Cllr Tony Ferrari, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, is responsible for Dorset Council's land, including this site. He is also Ward Councillor for Littlemoor and Preston.

He said: "It will be fantastic to bring this abandoned piece of land into such a positive use. Weymouth has no allotments on the East side of town so this will be a valuable local facility,” he said.

There are waiting lists for all of the eight existing allotment sites, which have a total of 350 plots, in Weymouth.

Graham Winter, Mayor of Weymouth Town Council, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Dorset Council to get these allotments ready for public use. We know allotments are beneficial for people’s wellbeing and they also contribute to the biodiversity of the area, so it’s a truly positive project for the community.”

The far end of the site was identified as an area of high wildlife interest and has been left undeveloped.

Dorset Council cleared the site after checking there were no signs of badgers or reptiles on the land and has made sure to maintain a wildlife corridor when clearing the area.

It is anticipated that the new plots could generate up to £230 a year for Weymouth Town Council.