Shropshire allotment holders digging their heels in over plot to build on land
Allotment plot holders say they will dig their heels in against any plans to uproot them from their current base in Dudleston Heath.
They say they don't want to relocate from their site next to the village's parish hall to an alternative field a few hundred yards away.
The plan has been put forward by the parish hall committee which is looking at proposals to use the current site for housing, although the group says there are no immediate plans to develop the land.
But plot holders, many of whom have had plots since the allotments were opened five years ago, say they will oppose the plans, saying they are happy where they are.
The allotment society's chairman Sharon Kelly said: "I don't think the field is suitable for homes. There will be a problem because there is a car park next to the current site. How will they get access to the new proposed homes?
"The current site is ideal and everyone likes it. It is between two and three acres and we have about 20 plots. Some plots have been halved and quartered because not everybody wants a full plot so we have about 40 people using it at the moment.
"People have put a lot of work into developing where we are now. It is a very social thing. People come here to meet with friends and chat and they don't want to move.
"The land they are offering s smaller than what we have got and much more boggy. They have offered to rotavate it for us but we are happy where we are."
Plot holder Rosemary Craven said she opposed any plans to relocate the allotment. She said: "The site we have at the moment is perfect.
"You have little old men in their 90s planting veg and growing potatoes, onions and cabbage and they have worked hard over the years to develop what they have.
"Alongside them you have people of all ages and from all generations working together on the plots. It would be such a shame if it was to be lost."
Plot holder Phil Mottram said: "I am happy where I am. The allotments give you very good health benefits."
Villager John Hawkins, who has had a plot since the allotments opened and also serves on the parish hall committee, said: "It is about striking a balance for what the community needs.
"Personally I think it would be a great shame if we lost it."
See also: Shropshire village could lose community hall
