PEOPLE waiting for allotments in Calne might find themselves offered part of someone else's garden.

The idea is that those waiting for allotments might be matched with people whose gardens are too large for them to manage on their own.

It is hoped that the novel idea might reduce the waiting list for allotments and help householders at the same time.

There are more than 95 people on the waiting list, the numbers having risen after the town council sold allotment land for housing development.

The suggestion was put forward by a resident who opposed placing allotment spaces at Wessington Park.

The idea was then discussed at the Town Council's amenity meeting.

Town Clerk Ann Kingdon said: "Members thought it was a good idea. It's something that the town council can work on. We can match up the allotment waiting list with householders with large gardens who can't do them themselves."

She thought the arrangement would help both those wanting an allotment and those unable to manage their own gardens.

"This would create a good community partnership and help solve two different needs," she said.

There has also been a suggestion that sixth formers from John Bentley School may look after gardens for residents as part of their community work.

"We need to find out what John Bentley School is doing first and we could then run our idea alongside it," said Mrs Kingdon.