ALLOTMENT holders have accused the council of throwing in the trowel - by not doing enough to save their plots.

Tenants of the Twmpath allotments have one year to vacate their plots after Torfaen county borough council was served with notice to quit the land, which is owned by Pontypool Park Estates.

The land has been leased by Park Estates to the council since 1929, and the tenants believe the notice to quit has come as a result of the council's failure to advertise the allotments and to keep them tidy for the members.

One tenant, Wendy Rodgers, of Twmpath Road, has kept an allotment for 17 years.

She said: "We keep chickens and ducks on the site and grow a lot of fruit and veg.

"It is really relaxing keeping an allotment and our fear is that once the council let it go there is a possibility the land will be built on and this will add to the already over-development of the Tranch and Wainfelin ward.

"It is the last piece of countryside in a very urban area and if nothing is done it will disappear for good."

A spokesman for the council said: "The council does not own the land so it is difficult for us if the landowner wants it back."

He said the land was first let to the council when allotments were very popular.

"Since then the number of plots at the Twmpath site has dwindled to around 12.

"We are trying to find out exactly what we could be losing and seeing if there is anyway we can come to a compromise or extend any possible closing date.

"It would be a shame to lose an allotment site but if they are being underused this is the danger," they said.

"They only cost £8 a year and anyone interested in finding out more should call 01633 628970."

Wainfelin ward councillor, Yvonne Warren, said: "I am hoping to hold a meeting with the allotment association and tenants to discuss this matter further.

"I am doing everything that I can to retain the allotments."

Jack Tenison, of Pontypool Park Estate, declined to comment on the situation but said he would be happy to speak to anyone who maybe concerned about this matter.

Notice has also been served on another allotment site, Richard's Field.