ALLOTMENT sites worth millions of pounds could be put up for sale in Didcot.

All five allotments in the town may be looked at to see how much money they could bring in under plans from civic leaders.

The Conservative leader of Didcot Town Council wants the council to stage an “allotment review”, with the environment committee reassessing the value of allotment land.

But some people want the town’s “green lungs” to stay put.

Father-of-two Axel Macdonald, 52, of Didcot, has been running an allotment in New Road with wife Denise since 2004.

The Public Health England scientist said: “We visit the allotment on a regular basis. It would be wrong if any allotment sites in Didcot were sold.

“You can grow any fruit and vegetables on the allotment including potatoes and vegetables that you might not be able to get in the supermarket.

“It’s good organic food. You get good exercise on an allotment and there’s the social side of it.

“The allotment sites are the town’s green lungs and with all the new housing being built I would be very much opposed to seeing any sold off.”

According to the proposal put forward on Monday, the council would consult the public on the future of allotment provision in Didcot, subject to the Government backing its plans.

Town council leader Charles Robertson said: “I personally am considering the sale of one or more of the town’s five allotment sites. It’s no secret these sites could be worth millions.

“We look to make decisions for the benefit of residents. The environment committee will take the consultation forward.

“Residents may be concerned but they will be fully consulted on any potential changes.”

Mr Robertson added that all five allotment sites were being reviewed, including the one off Broadway near the civic hall – but that did not necessarily mean the amount of land provided would be reduced.

He said: “I am in favour of the allotment provision increasing, not decreasing, and any sale of an allotment site would have to be passed by the Government.”

He refused to say if a land purchase being discussed in private by councillors was linked to the potential sale of one or more of the allotments.

The five sites, containing a total of 439 plots, are in Broadway, Cockcroft Road, Mereland Road, New Road and Wantage Road. It costs £26 a year to rent a plot.

Labour’s Margaret Davies said families are attached to allotments after decades of work.

She added: “In the past commercial developers have approached Didcot Town Council to buy allotment land but the Conservatives are not setting out their proposals openly.”

The town council advertises allotments as a “great way to grow your own produce” and a “fantastic way to exercise”.