Manor Park Allotments, came under increasing pressure from the London Development Agency (LDA) as works commenced on the 2012 Olympics and looked like they would lose their 100 year old growing plots. However, it seems that this may have been averted now as allotmenteers are offered an alternative until the Olympics have come and gone.

GTNI first mentioned this story back in February when Manor Park gardeners were begging for people to sign their petitions.

The LDA originally proposed an alternative venue but when it couldn't be secured they reneged on their promise and ordered that allotment owners leave their plots empty-handed. The Manor Park allotmenteers then sought legal advice and planned to sue the LDA in London's High Court.

Well, it seems the LDA has finally taken a more gentle approach and has secured land in Marsh Lane Waltham Forest. However, while there are 64 plots to be made available at this new site, 80 will be bulldozed at Manor Park. Still, it seems this may be the best resolution and if allotment owners can guarantee entrance to their plots until September the court action may be dropped.

Eventually, the allotments will be returned in 2014 however, the land will have suffered greatly due to the Olympics construction and subsequent use. The ground will be more compacted with possible drainage problems and the fruit trees will have all gone.

So while allotmenteers may be savouring some limited success in their quest they may end up reaping more problems in the future.