Plot owners in Bath, Somerset, face eviction after 130 years

Renee Tyers, 68, was dismayed by the decision, describing her assignment as her lifeline.

”It’s a very sad thought that the place could really disappear because it’s been here for 130 years. It’s a huge loss,” she said, adding: “I’ve lost my husband, so now I live alone and I have time to do these things because I’m not working anymore.

”It’s also been a great way to meet people in the community. It’s great for your mental health and being outdoors. It’s a very important part of my life now.”

Another gardener added: “The whole community will be devastated.”

The Combe Down allotment site has been leased since 1895 and was originally acquired by Monkton Combe Parish Council to serve workers in Bath’s stone mines, according to the Bath Accommodation Association & North East Somerset.

“Significant social value”

City boundary changes in 1967 are said to have transferred responsibility for the site to Bath City Council, which has held leases with the owner ever since.

Cllr Tim Ball described the landlord’s intention to end the lease in 2025 as “hugely disappointing” given the “significant social value to the community” of the allotment.

He said all options were being explored to save the allotments, including legal powers to take over the site, but warned gardeners to “be realistic”.

“We have also requested meetings with the owner to understand why he wants the council to vacate the land,” Cllr Ball said, adding: “Unfortunately all requests to meet have so far been refused through his lawyer.”