Carol Ann Fear with her children Jake and Ellina Picture Ref: 77082-04A FAMILY moved to their new house because it was close to allotments but now the site could be sold.

Carol Ann Fear of Pine-hurst Road says the proximity of Pickard's Field played a major part in their decision to move from Cricklade Road.

She is worried her children's diet could suffer if Pickard's Field is closed.

The Adver revealed last week that Swindon's largest allotment could be sold off for development, netting Swindon Council £5.6m.

Mother-of-three Mrs Fear, an auxiliary nurse at Great Western Hospital, said: "The allotments being so close encouraged us to buy the house.

"We moved from Cricklade Road, where there was no opportunity to grow any vegetables."

Mrs Fear, 34, and her husband Simon, 36, moved to Pinehurst Road in December and Pickard's Field is at the back of their garden.

She says the family is healthier since moving. Jake, nine, Ellina, seven, and Benjamin, two, have ditched the junk food and now enjoy homegrown fruit and veg.

Mrs Fear said: "We have got two plots at the back of our garden.

"It's like a mini project with the children. We let them plant their own seeds and then they see their radishes, carrots and potatoes grow.

"Getting kids to eat vegetables is hard but it makes it easier when they can grow their own food.

"We are all supposed to be getting our children to eat healthily but if the council sell the allotment how are we supposed to?

"If we want to fight childhood obesity we should grow our own fresh fruit and vegetables."

Mr Fear, a tree surgeon, takes the children to work on the allotment at least twice a week.

Mrs Fear said: "They love going there. It's a safe open space with fresh air.

"The allotments boost community spirit and it will be terrible if they close. Selling the land will mean an increase in traffic congestion."

Labour councillors from the Western, Gorse Hill, and Pinehurst wards held public meetings last week to discuss the future of the site and launch a petition against a sell-off.

Coun Kevin Small (Western) said: "Our petition has got 150 signatures and we expect more.

"The campaign is going really well and it's only just starting. It will be stepped up after the General Election."

Pickard's Field is 8.5 acres with 193 plots.

Council reports say if holders were moved to Pickard's Small Field, which has 33 per cent vacancy or the Kembrey Grass Field, which has 100 per cent vacancy, the land could be considered for residential development.

Helen Barnes of Swindon Council said: "The council will look at all options for all allotments this year and people will be consulted."

Lyndsay Scanlan