NEW rules are being brought in to ensure allotment gardeners in a Darlington village look after their plots.

Concern was expressed at a recent meeting of the Middleton St George parish council, that many allotments in the village have been neglected.

Councillors agreed that the some allotment tenants were ignoring their responsibilities and those who did not look after their plots should be banned.

Councillor Christine Sirrell said: "We should give three weeks notice to people not taking care of their allotments. They are spoiling it for all the others and the weeds are appalling. "

A report on the state of all the allotments is set to be complied for the parish council before decisions are made on what help, if any, tenants should get to clear their plots.

Flower tubs throughout the village are also set to be spruced up in preparation for the annual Northumbria in Bloom competition.

Councillor Gordon Sirrell said: "They could be painted or varnished, they do look rusty and a bit rough."

The council agreed to redecorate the tubs before the competition judges arrive in the village.