BATTLING Eastleigh allotment gardeners were today deciding their next move after being dealt a major blow by the High Court in their fight to save their town centre plots.

Mr Justice Calvert Smith signalled an end to a marathon legal fight brought by the town's amatuer fruit and vegetable growers.

He blocked their way to getting a judicial review which would have given them new hope in their cabbage patch battle.

They have seven days to appeal and the Eastleigh and Bishopstoke Allotments Co-operative Association were today putting their heads together to decide their next step.

Eastleigh council can now press ahead with its plans to build 140 affordable homes on allotment land at South Street and Monks Way.

It will make small dent into a waiting list which has more than 5,000 families queing up to get a permanent roof over their heads.

Disposal of sites After the High Court hearing, council chief valuer Kevin Warren said: "The council will proceed promptly with the disposal of the sites in order that an early start can be made on the construction of new housing which is urgently required to help reduce the enormous current demand for housing in the borough."

Banner waving Eastleigh allotment gardeners had mustered nationwide support as they took their battle to the highest court in the land.