AFFORDABLE homes are to be built on a vandal-hit allotment site in west York.

City of York Council has joined forces with the Tees Valley Housing Group in a scheme to provide 20 new houses on some of the plots off Danebury Drive, which have been a magnet for trouble.

Incidents have included joy riding, arson attacks on vehicles and fly tipping. These problems, together with poor drainage and ground conditions, have left many of the allotments unsuitable for cultivation.

Plot holders and members of the local residents' association have also been involved in the scheme, as only nine of the 48 existing allotment sites were in use.

The £1.2 million scheme - which was explored through the Acomb ward committee - aims to tackle concerns about an increase in antisocial behaviour.

It will improve security for the remaining allotment holders and give better access to the rear of the site.

The 20 affordable homes will be two and three-bedroomed family houses and will be let to people on the council's housing waiting list. They will be managed by the council's housing team as part of an ongoing management arrangement with Tees Valley Housing Group.

Work has just started on the site and the new homes should be ready in the autumn. The scheme was funded out of a Social Housing Grant from the Housing Corporation.

Coun Sue Sunderland, executive member for housing, said the new development should solve the problem of vandalism at the site.

"We welcome the extra provision of much-needed family homes," she said. "This is a good example of partnership working between the council and Tees Valley Housing Association. We had a lot of valuable input from residents."

Green Party councillor Andy D'Agorne said he was concerned by the number of people on the council housing waiting list and the increase in house prices. But he said allotments were important for those who did not have access to a large garden.

"It's all about getting the balance right."

Updated: 10:41 Wednesday, March 09, 2005