ELDERLY allotment holders in Calne are celebrating after a landmark concession by councillors means they can return once again to their town centre plots.

Gardeners had to give up their allotments at Newcroft Road in October 2001 when a plan to develop the site for housing was put forward.

They were forced to move to Beversbrook on the northern outskirts of the town, but many elderly without a car said they could not get there and had to give up their allotments.

On Monday however, North Wiltshire district councillors approved an amended plan for 101 houses, 17 flats and Westlea and Cheltenham and District Housing Association homes.

The plan also included land in the western corner of the site near Lickhill Road, for 26 allotments. There were originally 100 plots.

Peter Highton, 75, of Abberd Way, treasurer of Calne's Allotment Society, said: "We could have been strung along for years, but this compromise is ideal. We have got everything we wanted now."

The society said it hopes some allotment holders will be able to return to the Newcroft plots as quickly as possible and priority will be given to the elderly. Others who are happy at the Beversbrook site will continue to garden there.

Society president Joe Quirke said: "It's marvellous to get some allotments back.

"We are as pleased as punch and very grateful. We were sorry to have to give them up, but we are glad for the council's understanding."

Mr Quirke, 79, of North Street, said many of the allotment holders were not happy when they were moved from Newcroft two years ago and the society's relationship with the town council became strained as a result.

They complained at the distance to the new site at Beversbrook and the smaller size of the new plots, and said they were exposed to the elements.

The society said the plots at Newcroft will reduce the allotment shortage in the town, but there would still be people on the waiting list.

Calne Town Council is now looking for additional land to be used for allotments in the south of town.

District councillor Tony Trotman said residents who live next to Newcroft had expressed concern that the new homes would overlook their properties but he said the new buildings were sufficiently far away. He also said the town council's plans to install road calming in Lickhill Road and a 20mph zone in the town centre would help traffic problems in the area.