ALLOTMENT holders in Bedale say they are delighted with support from the community for their battle to stay at their current site in the centre of the town.

They now have more than 2,000 signatures on a petition which was launched at the beginning of the summer. The diocesan board of finance of what is now the West Yorkshire and Dales Diocese is looking to sell off the site for redevelopment, moving the allotments to a potential new site on the edge of town.

Allotment holder John Burton who is leading the campaign said excellent progress has been made.

“This is thanks to the assistance being given by local businesses and members of the local community who want to see the gardens preserved,” he said.

Mr Burton said they are hoping this demonstration of public support will persuade the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales to resist the temptation to sell the site.

“We hope it will encourage the Diocese to negotiate a new long term lease, giving the allotment gardens a secure future.

"This would enable us to undertake long term improvements to the site, such as creating an area of raised beds and small plots, for people who are physically unable to cope with a normal allotment plot.

"We also want to involve groups of young people in developing areas for nature conservation. None of these things can be undertaken without a secure tenancy. “