Now their prayers could soon be answered after the council started work to reopen the Hadley Street allotments.

Cllrs Ted Bishop and Michelle Booth have been campaigning for the allotments to be cleared up so they can once again be used by green-fingered residents.

Cllr Bishop said: "The allotments will be regenerated and will be up and going again. Cllr Booth and myself have been very interested in getting the site developed as there is such a great demand for allotments."

Roger Sissons, chairman of Friends of Ilkeston Green Space (FIGS) said: "People are crying out for allotments when a few years back it was decided there was no demand for them.

"There's most definitely a lack of allotments in the area, a lot have been left to go to rack and ruin which is such a shame.

"Keeping an allotment is viewed as the green gym, it allows people to get outdoors and exercise."

A newly-renovated patch of gardening ground is also due to open in Abbotsford after pupils from Bennerley School, in Cotmanhay, lent a hand renovating it.

Three Valleys housing have donated materials to the allotment which is owned and run by Groundwork Derbyshire.

Jo Stanistreet, one of the project organisers, said: "This gives local kids a chance to learn new skills and make new friends.

"The allotment will be used in future years as a training resource for the community and as a fun and accessible way for kids to learn practical skills."