Village allotment owners forced to leave their patches have been able to begin again with the help of an 86-year-old councillor. 

David Osben was among the holders told would have to leave the allotments at Bullen Lane in Bramford, near Ipswich, last October. 

The 71-year-old had been growing plants and vegetables there for five year, with owners given until October 11 this year to move off the land.

The Bullen Lane allotment nowThe Bullen Lane allotment now (Image: David Osben) The Bullen Lane allotment nowThe Bullen Lane allotment now (Image: David Osben)

He said: "When I walked away from Bullen Lane allotment for the last time it was difficult to describe my emotions.

"I was understandably a bit angry and disappointed, but I also remembered the good times I had spent working the land, I thought of the good hearted people I had met who helped me get started and unselfishly offered me advice, some of those are no longer with us."

Upon being asked to leave last year, Mr Osben though of contacting Bramford Parish Councillor John Gardiner, 86, to see if there was anything that could be done.

David OsbenDavid Osben (Image: David Osben) David's allotment a year ago at Bullen LaneDavid's allotment a year ago at Bullen Lane (Image: David Osben)

Mr Gardiner said: "I was getting calls about people losing their allotments, and they asked me if there were any vacancies on the parish council allotments.

"We didn't have any, but I said I would bring it up at a parish council meeting to see if there could be some funding for eight new plots on the end of our existing allotments at Stationfield.

"They agreed, everyone was happy and everyone from Bullen Lane that wanted one got one."

The new allotments which Cllr Gardiner was able to getThe new allotments which Cllr Gardiner was able to get (Image: David Osben) David's new allotment at StationfieldDavid's new allotment at Stationfield (Image: David Osben)

Mr Osben said: "I was thrown a lifeline when the remarkable Cllr Gardiner offered me the poot at the old station allotments and I readily accepted.

"I was able to carry on, the experience I had gained at Bullen Lane and the lessons taught by those seasoned allotmenteers would not go to waste.

"Eight months on since starting my new plot it is still very much a work in progress, I have grown a few crops but I can look forward to next year and beyond with confidence and have already made a few friends among my new neighbours.

"If there was an award anywhere to honour community spirit Cllr Gardiner would get my nomination."

Mr Gardiner continued: "I like to help people. I get involved with the village, and I enjoy doing the job and meeting the people."

David's new allotment at StationfieldDavid's new allotment at Stationfield (Image: David Osben)