AFTER more than four decades of lovingly tending his treasured allotment, 84-year-old York pensioner Frank Newton has finally admitted defeat.

Constant, but escalating vandalism has forced the dedicated gardener to give up his tenancy and hang up his spade and hoe for good.

"It is with a heavy heart that I'm giving up the allotment, but the crime and vandalism have become too much," said Mr Newton, of Thorpe Street.

"It has not been an easy decision to make."

Mr Newton, a former joiner for Portakabin, who will turn 85 next month, has grown fruit and vegetables for his table, and those of his friends and relatives, for more than 40 years.

But he will surrender his patch at the Scarcroft Road allotments at the end of the year, having been the victim of countless crimes.

Arson, theft and criminal damage have all taken their toll on his allotment, and his pension cannot stretch to replacing yet more greenhouse windows, sheds, tools and crops.

His wife, Marjorie, said: "He is at the end of his tether. He has had so much heartache over it."

And Mr Newton has criticised City of York Council for not taking stronger measures to prevent vandalism.

"The standards of attention from the council are atrocious," he said.

Another allotment holder, Dougie Barnes, agreed. He said vandalism was being carried out "systematically".

"We have lost everything we have worked for," he said.

A spokesman for City of York Council said: "This is a difficult matter for all concerned

because these particular allotments are on public land.

"However, we have assisted allotment keepers by giving advice on security, and whenever they inform us of breaks in hedges or fencing we try to respond as quickly as possible.

"We also pass on any complaints about vandalism to the police, but of course it is not

always easy to identify culprits who can strike at any time."

Sergeant Mike Stubbs, of York police, said officers were looking into the vandalism and would welcome any information about the incidents.

The phone number to call is 01904 631321.