17th March 2003
ANGRY allotment holders claimed today they have been forced to give up their plots because of council incompetence.
'We have been totally shafted by a local authority which is supposed to be trying to promote civic pride and create flourishing neighbourhoods,' complained Mark Jackson, a spokesman for Billesley Lane Allotments.
The 52 members who share 37 plots voted reluctantly yesterday to give them up to the landowner, Moseley Golf Club, which wants to build a practice ground. But a compromise means they will stay until Christmas Day 2008. The site will reduce to 11 plots and these will be handed over to the golf club in 2018. The holders are critical of the council's failed attempt to compulsorily purchase the land.
© COPYRIGHT 2003 Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd