LONG-standing plans to build allotments in North Bournemouth could be shelved if they cannot be shown to be financially viable.

Plans to build 95 half-size allotment plots at Muscliff have been in the pipeline for seven years but campaigners fear they may never come to fruition.

Early calculations into the viability of the scheme show that Bournemouth council would need to charge double the normal rate in order to make the allotments self-financing.

Throop and Muscliff councillor Ron Whittaker said: “I’ve been battling away for years to get these allotments because I think there is a real demand for them but I think I’m going to have a real struggle to get things moving forward.

“There are 200 plus people on the waiting list and we’re all being encouraged to grow our own vegetables.

“Many people do not have big gardens and would appreciate these allotments. If we don’t use that land for allotments, I am fearful for its future.

“The administration needs to get its priorities right, it is not all about the town centre, outlying areas are just as important.”

Ed Alexander, the council’s planning and contracts manager, said: “Since taking our proposal to introduce a new allotment site at Muscliff to gateway board earlier this year, and following further consultation with our existing allotment sites, we are now considering the viability of the Muscliff scheme.

“There has been a marked drop in people taking up allotments and those on the waiting list have reduced since the high point in 2009 when allotments were in greater demand.

“We are therefore considering the viability of the original scheme of 95 half size allotment plots at Muscliff and will under-go further consultation with our existing allotment sites.”