Members of four allotments in the town formed a new group last week in an attempt to prevent Warwick District Council earmarking their plots for future development.

BLAST - Bringing Leamington Allotment Societies Together - represents more than 1,200 people involved with Binswood, Cliffe, New Milverton and Old Milverton allotments who believe residents should have the opportunity to exercise, socialise and grow their own produce without fear from planners.

Group member Geoff Southgate said: "We know there are builders hungry to get their hands on our allotments and build on other green spaces.

"There is a serious threat and we have to be vigilant. Our task is to oppose any attempt to build on land that should be enjoyed by Leamington people.

"In fact we should be creating more allotments for those hundreds of people on waiting lists, not letting developers plan to build on our allotments - it makes no sense."

The gardeners intend to attend district council meetings to request that all councillors protect the town's allotments and other green areas - previously undeveloped land such as parks and cricket pitches - from development.

Last month, Binswood allotment holders campaigned against district council proposals for where 10,800 new homes planned for the area should go.

One of the options threatened their plots and they mounted a 'wheelbarrow walk' through Leamington to gain residents' support.

Scores of people signed a petition opposing one option to build around Leamington, Warwick and Whitnash and it carried more than 1,000 names when presented to the district council.

BLAST intends to hold similar events to "highlight the dangers" of developers' plans to encroach on green belt in north Leamington.

Old Milverton allotment holder Stanley Anthony said: "We have got 90 members and 40 on the waiting list.

"We want to make sure the district council looks at the whole needs of the area and one of these is to provide green space and leisure opportunities as well as houses.

"It would be sad to lose green spaces when there are other, previously developed sites where the homes could go."

For more information and to support the group visit:

www.leamingtonallotments.co.uk