Lib Dem Councillor Digs Up Council's Allotments Law-breaking

7.33.42pm GMT Sat 20th Jan 2007

The South Acton Allotments

The council has applied to redevelop the statutory allotments in South Acton (adjoining Southfield) even though it needs permission from the relevant minister, which it has not sought.

When Cllr Gary Malcolm dug up that fact in Section 8 of the Allotments Act 1925, he emailed the Minister (David Miliband) and the department involved to stop Ealing acting before the matter can be adequately looked into.

Cllr Gary Malcolm, Environmental spokesperson said: "Lib Dems say that Ealing Council seems to want to push this development on people without going through the proper channels. There are many plot holders who would be moved or would give up if the application goes through."

Gary Malcolm added: "The people in the area feel that the current allotments could be improved but left where they are - and not moved around. Research shows that when allotment sites are moved or destroyed people give up tending allotments which is not on."