A PARISH council has launched a bid for cash from the Government's New Opportunities Fund to buy and regenerate village allotments.

The privately-owned allotments came under threat of closure two years ago.

Now Barton Parish Council, near Darlington, has applied to the fund through the Royal Society for Nature Conservation to pay for the compulsory purchase of the land and introduce a number of environmental projects.

The grant would pay up to 80 per cent of the compulsory purchase order costs and fund the building of raised beds for less-able gardeners, the creation of a wildlife area, the planting of willow trees for a renewable resource, and the publication of literature to promote composting, recycling and healthy eating.

The scheme has received backing from North Yorkshire County Council's Local Agenda 21 team.

The council has also received advice from the Yorwoods forestry organisation, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Yorkshire Bat Group, and the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners.

Anne McFadzean, parish council chairwoman, said: "Our intention is to not only save and improve the site at Barton, but to extend the benefits of growing fresh and inexpensive food to the wider community."