ALLOTMENT holders are celebrating after foiling plans to turf them off their land.

Plotholders at St Norbert's Allotments in Brockley were facing eviction because landowner UGS Properties wanted to build on the site.

But now UGS has performed a U-turn by allowing the allotment holders to carry on digging at the 75-year-old site.

Residents had campaigned vigorously to save the allotments in St Norbert Road, by collecting a 600-signature petition.

Lewisham Council also backed the plotholders in their fight, saying it would block any attempt to build on the land.

Under the terms of the new deal the plotholders have been granted a 15-year lease to remain on the site.

Deptford Allotments' and Gardens' Association chairman Ian Findlay says this represents a victory for people power.

He said: "We are all absolutely delighted. This is a very positive step.

"There is no doubt the pressure we have put on has paid off."

Allotments have been passed down through the generations by families since the early 1930s.

The site is also home to dozens of species of wildlife, including squirrels, hawks, frogs and newts.

Mr Findlay added: "It is a real wildlife enclave. We need to protect green spaces such as this, not destroy them."

Deputy mayor Councillor Gavin Moore wrote to UGS in January, urging the firm to change its mind.

The council sees the land as an urban green space and though it does not own the site, it has the power to refuse any applications to build on it.

A council spokesman said: "Now and in the future we will resist development proposals which would result in loss of or damage to the green space."

UGS declined to comment on the matter.

Mr Findlay is looking for people to become allotment holders. For further information, call 020 7652 4808.