Many of the allotment holders affected by this, myself included, are pensioners.

We are devoted to our allotments, investing money, time and hours of hard work creating fertile land and achieving optimum productivity.

My partner and I, like many others in our happy little community, are now entirely self-sufficient in these items, growing all of our own fresh produce.

In fact, from our allotment we grow enough fruit and vegetables for ourselves, our children and their families.

At this difficult time, particularly, our allotments are a vital asset, ensuring we can all eat healthily.

To be asked to relocate is unacceptable.

As pensioners we cannot possibly invest the same time and energy into a new plot; to be asked to do so would simply be too physically demanding at this time.

The suggestion that, "as part of the deal, the land would be properly rotavated" (made by Peter Herbert, town clerk) is little comfort to us; it takes far more than rotavation to create a successful allotment plot.

My allotment has won the Littlehampton Allotment of the Year award three years running up to 2008.

Prior to this, this award was won by two other allotment holders positioned in the area under threat.

It is just so frustrating that despite the fact the council has consistently held these allotments up as sites of excellence, they are still considering building a health centre on them!

I sincerely hope they can see how this proposal defies logic, and save our precious allotments.

Bill Mason
Gloucester Place
Littlehampton

NOTE: All letters must include a name and address which can be withheld by request.

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