ALLOTMENT holders have called a public meeting in a last-ditch attempt to save their gardens.

Howden-le-Wear Allotments Association is hoping villagers will turn out in force to the meeting tonight.

Representatives from Wear Valley District Council, George Wimpey Homes and Shafto Estates have been invited to the meeting in the village community centre at 6pm.

The allotment holders are facing an uncertain future following a decision to sell their gardens by Shafto Estate.

They were given notice to quit the land they have tended for more than 60 years at the end of September, but were given a stay of execution following a meeting.

Durham County Council has indicated there may be land available for sale where Wimpey could build the 41 homes.

If Wimpey does not want the land, it may be that the allotments holders will be able to move there instead.

Allotments secretary David Quinn said: "We have only got a stay of execution and we don't know how long it will be for. We need to see where we go from here."