A ROW over Barton's allotments could be resolved after more than a year of bitter debate, which has split the village and led to the resignation of a number of parish councillors.

Richmondshire District Council's resources committee has agreed to use its powers to force the landowner to sell - a move which, should he resist, could be referred to the Environment Secretary.

Campaigners fighting to save the plots are confident they can swing the argument in their favour.

Yesterday, spokesman and parish councillor Alen McFadzean said: "We are pleased with the outcome, and look forward to working with Richmondshire District Council to secure the allotments for future generations.

"I don't foresee any problems in the future, but, if the matter is referred to the Secretary of State, we are prepared to present our case.

"However, the sooner this debate is over, and the sooner Barton Parish Council can get on with running the village's affairs, the better."

The district authority's decision to use compulsory purchase powers to save the allotments site was made despite a referendum on the issue, arranged by district councillor Campbell Dawson, who said the move would cost the community £20,000.

Councillor Dawson, who was chairman of the parish council when it first emerged that the plots were at risk, resigned when the allotment holders launched a legal challenge.

The ballot suggested a slim majority was against the parish council acquiring the land, although local government rules prevented the district council from taking the result into account when discussing the compulsory purchase order on Tuesday night.

The decision to use compulsory purchase powers goes before the full council for approval next month.

Coun Dawson was not at Tuesday's meeting, and declined to comment yesterday.