A CAMPAIGN been launched to save a town's historic allotments after the church threatened to evict gardeners so they can sell the land for housing.

Bedale Town Council is now moving to protect the land by declaring it a “community asset” under new localism legislation.

Allotment Society Chairman John Burton told the council they were extremely concerned after being sent a letter from solicitors acting for the Ripon diocese warning they would be evicted if they did not accept an alternative site.

The diocese say it was a standard legal letter and not meant to be intimidating.

The church wants to sell off the 1.5 acres of allotment land to Persimmon for an extension to an existing housing estate on Masham Road.  

But they are required to offer the allotment holders a “suitable" alternative under planning rules and so far have not told them where it is. The allotment society say it has looked at the possible alternatives and none are suitable.

Mayor Amanda Coates said: "These allotments are a crucial amenity for the town and it is vital that we keep them. They are at the heart of the community, this is one of the last green areas of Bedale, the allotment society has looked at all the other possible sites and they are not in the town, if we lose them how can they be replaced?"

A spokesman for the diocese, who pointed out the present tenancy agreement expired at the end of March, said: “The Board of Finance is committed to working closely with Bedale Allotment Association to minimise disruption and maximise the notice given to it to enable a move to any new site to be at an appropriate time in the annual growing season.”