A MOTHER has accused an allotment association of forcing her son off his much-loved plot to secure it for a committee member.

Beryl Evans says her 31-year-old son, who has Asperger syndrome, loves the peace and quiet of Rosedale and Victoria Allotments in Willington, where he has been keeping chickens for 12 years.

However, at the weekend his tenancy was terminated, meaning his chickens and turkey, Rambo, are now homeless.

Rosedale and Victoria Allotments Association gave Mrs Evans’ son written notice of the termination and offered an opportunity to appeal, which he did and was rejected.

It is understood their actions were prompted by concerns for the welfare of the chickens and the state of the plot, which they claimed was covered in weeds.

It was also noted that very few vegetables or flowers were actually grown on the allotment.

But Mrs Evans, who asked for her son not to be named, said the birds were in good health and many had been in her son’s care for more than ten years.

“They say they never see him at the allotments but that is because he likes to come down when it is quiet and he uses the top gate,” she said.

“It is 9.30am now and there is hardly anyone around.

“If he comes when they are here they all gawp at him but if he visits when it is quiet they criticise him for that too.”

Mrs Evans, from Willington, showed The Northern Echo a number of other plots that were overrun with weeds and said her son had taken steps to address the issue, as well as planting potatoes and buying some seeds.

She also pointed out weeds and fly-tipping in the communal area near the hut.

“Why are they targeting my son?” she said. 

“He has Asperger syndrome and the allotment gives him a sense independence.

“He is always coming down here, otherwise he would be stuck inside all day.

“They say they care about animals but what will happen to the birds now? They have nowhere to go.”

The Northern Echo made every attempt to contact a member of the Rosedale and Victoria Allotments Association but no comment was received by the time the paper went to print.