A saga which has confined allotment holders to their greenhouses for two years is to be investigated by councillors.

The 24 gardeners at Frizinghall allotments were expelled from their plots at Christmas 1999 because poisons including arsenic had been found in the land.

They defied notices to quit and since then have imported soil into their greenhouses to grow whatever they can.

Now Bradford Council's environment scrutiny committee will look into their plight through a full report by officers next month. It will be part of a review of the district's allotments and their problems.

Today Ron Craig, secretary of Frizinghall Allotments Association, said: "It's exactly two years since we were turned off the allotments and nothing has happened.

"It is very frustrating, but none of us have left and we are determined to get back on to the land."

The allotments, which are situated near a former chemical works, contain cadmium, lead and arsenic.

The pollution was found eight years ago when engineers sunk bore holes in preparation for the Shipley Eastern bypass, which has never been built.

The ban came two years ago because the Council said it was no longer suitable for tenants to work there and the produce should not be eaten.

The authority said remedial work would cost tens of thousands of pounds and they could not afford it.

But the angry allotment holders said they and their families have been eating the fruit and vegetables for 30 years and have not been affected.

Chairman of the environment scrutiny committee Councillor Keith Thomson said: "We need to have a very good look at the whole issue of allotments. We take this issue seriously."

Shipley East Labour ward councillor Phil Thornton said: "This goes back a number of years and it is a disgrace that the land still cannot be used. We want the Council to seek a grant for the work."

He said the Council had been in contact with Government offices about the problem and funding of remedial works.

"It has taken a very long time because the Government has kept changing the goal posts. Something must be done."