Family fights to keep allotment in Neil's memory

'It's been a beacon of hope and solace'

- MAISIE GRICE

WHEN Helen Fallon, 40, lost her partner Neil last year, his allotment was a 'nice peaceful place' for her and her family. None of them expected that the council would be able to take it from them.

Neil, who was a power station worker, passed away last September, and throughout his cancer treatment Helen and her two sons Michael, 19, and Declan, 7, helped keep the plot maintained. They fed the chickens, helped grow vegetables and clean the greenhouse and plot. Now, the boys and their mum would love to keep the plot' that was cherished so much by Neil.

All of the family were involved with the plot, including Neil's sister, niece and nephew who came from Yorkshire to help put up the green house. When they came to visit they knew the allotment was where they would find him.

Helen said: "It's a great way of living and a getaway from everything. People who had plots would come and have a cup of tea with him. It's a life skill."