Security measures have been introduced to stop vandals taking over allotment plots.

Thieves and vandals had driven gardeners in Loftus from their plots - more than halving the number of tenants working allotments on the Westfield site.

Now security has been stepped up with new fencing and a locked gate to keep out intruders.

Since the improvements, six potential tenants have successfully applied for allotments.

Loftus Mayor Barry Hunt said: "Allotment holders have endured theft and vandalism over the past few years and have been asking for improved security.

"It has been a privilege to work with councillors determined to make improvements, and I am pleased to see the security fencing completed during my year in office.

"Single Regeneration Budget funding enabled us to fence the whole site, rather than just one boundary, and we hope that this scheme should ease the burden on local law enforcement a little by reducing the number of places suffering from vandalism.''

Councillor Linda Bell, chairman of the allotments committee, said: "This has been a very rewarding project, both for the town council and the allotment tenants.''