ALLOTMENT holders have been handed a temporary reprieve after developers wanting to build houses on their gardens agreed to consider a compromise.

Gardeners at Howden-le-Wear allotments feared that they would have to leave their site after more than 60 years when landowners Shafto Estates gave them notice to make way for possible homes.

But, following a meeting yesterday between several parties involved, a deal was struck to keep allotments in the village.

Durham County Council has indicated it may offer a stretch of nearby land for development to George Wimpey Homes, which could mean the 41 homes currently earmarked for the allotments land are built there instead.

If Wimpey refuses, the allotments may be moved to the alternative site.

Until a decision is made, allotment holders will be able to continue at their site.

David Quinn, secretary of Howden-le-Wear Allotment Association, said: "The upshot was that while Shafto won't withdraw the plans, they are not going to turf us out yet.

"It's not a time for celebration yet - it's just one little battle. But the council has made a bit of progress. We have only got a stay of execution and we don't know how long it will be for."

A public meeting is likely to be arranged shortly for allotment holders and other residents to discuss their next move. Meanwhile, Wimpey will consider Durham County Council's offer, which involves land alongside a disused railway track.

A council spokesman said: "We have offered to consider making some land available that is adjacent to the land that has been proposed for possible development.

"Therefore, there is the possibility of having the allotments on our land and the houses in Shaftos or perhaps vice versa.

"We are trying to put together something that will allow the allotment holders to keep on planting in their gardens."

A spokesman for Wear Valley District Council, which leases the land from Shafto Estates, said: "We, as a district council, want to see that the allotments are kept in Howden-le-Wear and the discussions are encouraging."

George Wimpey Homes and Shafto Estates could not be contacted for comment yesterday.

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