ALLOTMENT holders facing eviction from their site have been told they can stay put until a decision is taken by the Secretary of State concerning its future.

Gardeners at Briarfields allotments, in Hartlepool, were issued with eviction notices last year by Hartlepool Borough Council, which wants the land for development.

Tenants were told to vacate their plots by the end of last year, but now they have been told they can continue gardening until autumn, or until the Environment Department decides on whether to allow the council to close the site and move tenants to land at Burn Valley.

Letters outlining both sides of the argument have been sent by the council and the allotment holders to Environment Secretary John Prescott.

Retired consultant physician Dr Peter Pickens, who has represented the tenants during the year-long dispute, said: "The council had originally intended to evict us by December 31, 2000, so we regard this as a substantial gain.

"In our letter to the Secretary of State, we have made clear that a move to the council's proposed alternative site, near Hartlepool Sixth Form College, would be prejudicial to the interests of the allotment holders and contrary to Government policy for allotments."

The tenants also sent a petition to Mr Prescott, signed by 1,610 Hartlepool residents, opposing the site's closure.

Dr Pickens, of Eldon Grove, said: "We think it has been of importance in influencing opinion in Hartlepool, including that of the councillors, and will also impress the Secretary of State when he considers our case."

In a letter to the allotment tenants, Oliver Sherratt, the council's head of sport and recreation, said: "I am pleased to confirm to you an assurance that the land will be maintained as allotments at least until the end of the growing season, autumn 2001.

"I hope that the above measures give you assurance that it is still worthwhile cultivating at Briarfields this year."

l Is your allotment threatened? Call Alen McFadzean on (01325) 381313