ALLOTMENT holders are celebrating having their plots safeguarded after so much uncertainty in recent years.

Redbridge Council attempted to sell off five allotment sites to property developers in 2007 but backed down after a fierce Guardian-backed public campaign.

And the borough's newly unveiled Allotments Strategy document recognises the bitterness the controverisal land sales programme nurtured, and tries to promote low-cost food production during the credit crunch.

Over three years it aims to promote the increased use of land for the production of fresh, low cost food while recognising the important social and health benefits of gardening.

Retired policeman Norman MacKenzie, 80, of Halstead Road, Wanstead, said he has never seen the Roding Lane North site so busy in the 25 years he has run a plot.

The grandfather-of-seven added: "It's really exploded recently and I think there may even be a waiting list now.

"There's more of a buzz about healthy eating and they want people to grow their own vegetables.

"I grow more than 30 different types of fruits and vegetables and have to give what I can't eat away to friends and family.

"I had 110lbs of rasberries last year with only two rows which is way too much really."

Jeff Barber, chairman of the Redbridge Allotments Forum, said: “I welcome Redbridge's current allotment strategy.

"It sets out what the council wishes to achieve on its allotments by means of a clear and relevant Action Plan.

“With the active commitment and positive cooperation of all interested parties those aims can be reached and Redbridge allotments better reflect the recent national changes in the allotment world."

The proposals were presented to Redbridge Leisure, Culture and the Olympics scrutiny committee last week and will be considered by cabinet in June.

A council spokeswoman said: "The new strategy has been developed following public consultation, and aims to ensure allotments are well managed, resourced and promoted to the wider community."