A HOSEPIPE and sprinkler ban is to be introduced on all the 1,000 allotments/plots in York because of the new allotment tenancy agreements.

The reason for this ban is said to be because "we need to use water wisely to protect our environment".

The allotment tenants pay a water charge as part of their yearly rent.

Yet, despite this charge, water is turned off during the winter.

In addition, for more than 25 years tenants on Scarcroft allotments have been allowed to use hosepipes.

The water delivery system was constructed with this in mind.

Yorkshire Water says no hosepipe or sprinkler ban is applied in York - water supplies are adequate for demands.

In the Scarcroft area, the use of sprinklers is allowable on bowling greens and sports fields all day with no restrictions. So why discriminate against allotment tenants ?

So far, only one objection in writing has been made to the council on this issue. The tenants have not been consulted. Has the allotments officer exceeded her mandate? What do the other 1,000 tenants think?

D Barnes,

Anne Street, York.

Updated: 11:13 Wednesday, February 18, 2004