A GROUP of Witheridge residents say their parish council isn't doing enough to secure allotment space in the village.

But the council claims it has done all it can to meet the needs of parishioners.

The Witheridge Allotment Association was formed 18 months ago by Butts Close resident Frank Rookley.

Frank said: "There are only two allotments in the village at the moment but many more people who want a plot.

"We decided to put up posters around the parish asking people to join the association and were surprised with the positive response. Before long we had 18 members."

Under the Allotment and Small Holdings Act 1908 a parish council is obliged to find space for allotments if requested by six or more parishioners.

Frank presented his list of association members to Witheridge Parish Council more than a year ago asking for the authority's support to find land.

Frank said: "They're just not interested. They have been through the motions but it is clear they are not putting in much effort to finding the land.

"The association tries to keep up appearances at most parish council meetings as we are determined to pursue the issue.

"The more they mess me around, the more determined it makes me.

"Quite a few of our councillors are landowners themselves — why couldn't they help us out?"

Claire Goodwin, chairman of Witheridge Parish Council, explained that the authority had done everything it could to help the association.

She said: "We've written to lots of landowners within the village as well as the church commissioner but haven't had any luck.

"Landowners are clearly reluctant to give up their land — I would be too during a recession.

"The parish council is now in the process of writing to all landowners within a three-mile radius of the village to see if anyone is willing to donate some land.

"We have also suggested that the Witheridge Allotment Association should do some proactive work themselves or maybe consider other options such as garden sharing."