GOOD Life campaigner Paul Peacock has launched a petition to save the nation’s allotments.

Mr Peacock, who owns City Cottage, based at the Last Drop Village, Bromley Cross, set up the petition following news that the Government was considering scrapping councils’ duty to provide allotments for residents.

So far, more than 800 people have signed up.

Allotments are protected under section 23 of the 1908 Smallholdings and Allotments Act, which states councils are obliged to provide an allotment if six or more rate-paying gardeners demand one.

However, Eric Pickles, the Conservative Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, is considering scrapping the rule as part of moves to decrease the number of statutory duties carried out by councils.

Mr Peacock, who runs the Daily Mirror’s gardening blog, said: “If this goes then getting an allotment will become rare.

“There will be no legal reason for councils to provide allotments, especially where land prices are high.”

Simon Eaton, who has had an allotment in Tonge Fold for nearly four years, added: “It’s very important to me that I have my allotment because apart from the health benefits it’s a great community activity.

“I’ve met all sorts of people on the allotment and my whole family are involved — my daughter comes down and helps with the digging.

“For me, it’s more important to have an allotment than to see more properties being built that aren’t necessarily needed.”

Despite the moves by the Government, the council has pledged its continued support for allotment holders.

A spokesman said: “We have an ongoing commitment to supporting a number of allotment sites across the borough, both those covered by the Allotment Act and those which are not and we recognise the health and social benefits they provide.

“Through the current allotments review, we have also put in place measures to reduce waiting lists and encourage more people to sign up for plots.

“We have no plans to review this commitment at present.”

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