Residents could be able to get their hands on sought-after allotments as the waiting list has been "dramatically" reduced. 

For years, the list has remained closed for Waltham Forest council-owned allotment sites, but now there are just 19 names on the list after the council revised its eligibility criteria to prioritise residents. 

Two years ago, the list topped 900 applicants and in August, the council told the Guardian there were 460 people waiting. 

Plots at Hawkwood Allotmen site in Drysdale Avenue, Chingford, and at Sinnott Road Allotments in Gurney Close, Walthamstow, have recently been cleared of foliage freeing up 29 plots.

Allotments manager Elijah Sobanjo said the waiting list has been "dramatically" reduced.  

He said: "We want to prioritise plots for people living in the borough. 

"The number has come down dramatically as applicants who live outside Waltham Forest and those who already have a site have been taken off the list." 

The council is calling on residents to take on empty plots at Mulberry Close Allotment site in Chingford, which has been out of use for 20 years, and is considering bringing in the voluntary sector to restore the area back to a usable allotment site.  

Deputy leader cllr Clyde Loakes, said: "Obviously there is a lot of work to do to get Mulberry Close up and running, but with strong local support and some key partnerships with the voluntary sector I am sure we can make this happen.

"We hope that at least parts of the site will begin to be used by Waltham Forest food growers in the coming 12 months."

To find out more, contact environmental.services@walthamforest.gov.uk