Gardeners have been ordered to import their own soil to "poisonous" allotments where they have been confined to their greenhouses.

The Frizinghall allotment holders have held a sit-in since January, when the deadline of their notices to quit from Bradford Council expired.

They were told by Labour ward councillor Phil Thornton they could stay.

But they say officially the notices were never withdrawn - although they were told they could only work in the greenhouse.

And in the latest twist, they say they have been told they can only continue if they bring in their own new soil.

The allotment holders are also being issued with new contracts by the Council to allow them to stay. The saga began eight years ago when soil samples were taken from the land near Gaisby Lane in preparation for a proposed road scheme.

Small amounts of arsenic, cadmium and lead were found on the site, which had been used by a chemical plant and dye works between 40 and 50 years ago.

And the Council said the cumulative effect meant that, by the end of last year, the land would be unsafe to grow crops on.

The tenants were told it would cost tens of thousands for remedial work and the Council could not afford to it.

But today, chairman of Frizinghall Allotments' Association Ron Craig said the Council should find the funds to allow them back in to grow their produce.

He said: "They have had a very long time to do the work and it shouldn't have reached this stage. It's ridiculous."

He said the tenants did not agree the land was unsafe, and some people had eaten the crops for 30 years with no ill effects.

"We are pleased we are being allowed to stay and we are getting new contracts. Only three or four tenants decided not to carry on, but there are about 26 of us left and we've even been told to bring our own soil in to make sure it is safe.

"We can still grow tomatoes and cucumbers in the greenhouses, but we can't grow things like our potatoes and carrots. I'm even having to grow onions in five inch pots."

Coun Thorton said: "The Council is going to extreme lengths to put this right and we have put in a bid for Government funding.

"I know the position isn't ideal, but I think we have come a long way.

"I told them six months ago that they could stay but they must be in the greenhouses, and we have to be careful that they use good quality soil."

Shipley West Conservative ward councillor John Carroll said: "I believe that where there is a political will the money can be found and resources redirected."

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