THERE could be another twist to the bitter dispute over Barton's allotments, despite the parish council's defeat at a public inquiry.

The council was hoping Government intervention would force landowner Edward Hall to sell in order to secure the future of the plots once and for all.

However, earlier this month the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber ruled there was not enough demand for allotments to support the move.

The decision left the parish council with a £15,000 legal bill to be shared among Barton's 370 households - increasing council tax bills by an average of £50 for one year. An emergency meeting of the council voted not to take the matter to appeal. Most members feel unable to risk driving the parish council's costs even higher.

However, spokesman Councillor Alen McFadzean confirmed that talks with the National Association of Allotment Gardeners might have presented the village administration with options which do not involve spending any more money.

"I cannot say much at this stage, because some parish councillors have not been made aware of the possibilities and we have not yet met to discuss them," said Coun McFadzean, who works for The Northern Echo. "However, I hope we can arrange a special meeting in the next few days and take matters from there regarding going to appeal."

The dispute began in 1999 when former members of the parish council decided there was too little interest in the allotments to make them viable.

They notified Mr Hall that the administration would be terminating the lease of the land, but a number subsequently resigned in the backlash led by the gardeners. By then, Mr Hall was already looking at alternative uses for his property and a question mark has remained over the land since.