Assembly backs stricken plot holders

10:38am today Friday 4th July 2008

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ALLOTMENT holders facing eviction from their Rhiwderin plots are being offered support and advice from the Welsh Assembly.

In March, allotment holders were told by Graig Community Council notice had been served by landowners, Newbridge Estates, to quit use of the site by 2009 and so they would have to give up their plots.

Allotment holders say they want to fight the plan to move, despite being offered an alternative site.

Dentist Phil Hawkins, 41, is against moving and said: "It will take a long time to get the soil on the new site to the same quality."

The community council have been looking into whether the land can be compulsorily purchased or leased.

Newport West AM Rosemary Butler raised the allotment holders' plight during question time at the Assembly on Wednesday and gained the support of environment minister Jane Davidson.

Mrs Davidson said existing legislation could provide help for the displaced allotment holders.

She advised that if a community council wishes to compulsorily purchase land, but the local authority refuses to make an order, the Assembly has the power to make one.

Mrs Davidson told Mrs Butler Assembly officials would advise tenants on how to "put pressure on their local council."

She said: "I think that in view of the interest in this matter that my department should look at providing opportunities for good guidance to be delivered to allotment holders, particularly those who are allotment holders from private landowners so that they can understand what pressure can be put on local authorities to deliver the appropriate allotments for the future."

Mrs Butler pledged to do all she could to make sure the Assembly steps in to save the allotments, if the community council and city council take no action.