TONGE MP "LEAVE OUR ALLOTMENTS ALONE"

12.00.00am GMT Tue 5th Nov 2002

Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, has attacked the Conservative-run Council's plans to re-designate a number of allotment sites across the Borough as sites for housing.

The MP said: " I should perhaps declare an interest here – my husband Keith has an allotment and brings me wonderfully grubby – but taste-laden – veggies from it every week."

"But I am appalled by this proposal from local Tories – have they no idea what having an allotment means to people? Fresh air, exercise and their own, home-produced vegetables.

"And they are expected to give all that up so the Tories can sell off the land for more luxury housing developments. Blue is the new Green? I don't think so."

For further information please contact Jenny Tonge on pager number 07699 734071 or Serena Hennessy on: 020 8332 7919