A SOUTHAMPTON man has been evicted from his allotment after losing his battle with Southampton City Council.

Steven Farmer, 57, from Thornhill was served a 30-day notice in May after allowing his Muddy Bottom allotment on Bursledon Road to become overgrown.

The delivery driver had hoped the council would reconsider and let him keep his plot after three years of mental health struggles saw Steven neglect his outdoor space.

However, the council says that doing so would be "unfair" on residents on the waiting list. 

Steven told the Echo: “I’m disappointed. I’m probably a bit disappointed in myself that I let it get this far but that was down to my mental health I suppose, it’s the only thing I can put it down to.

“I’m not trying to use it as an excuse or get an out of jail free card, that’s what it was. It has affected me.

“My hope was that the complaints procedure would fall in my favour, but it hasn’t. I’m sure I could have taken it further if I wanted to but it’s just not worth it. I’ve literally lost the plot."

READ MORE: Southampton man who faces eviction for messy allotment pleads for second chance

The green-fingered enthusiast was set to be evicted from the allotment on June 24, but was given an extra two-week leeway to move his belongings from the site.

His 18-year stay on the land, which has cost him £185 a year, will come to an end today.

Daily Echo:

Steven will leave behind his grandmother's greenhouse, which he transferred to the allotment after she passed away, as well as nearly two decades worth of equipment, as he doesn't have space to take it all home. 

He will now grow fruit and vegetables in his garden.

He added: "I’ve just had to push myself through it, I’ve literally had to push myself up in the mornings and it’s been my job that has got me through.

“I’d like to think the council would have been more understanding given the fact I’ve been here so long and never been in trouble before. Now, I’ve fallen on hard times, and this is what you get from them.”

In a statement, Southampton City Council said: "We take into consideration health issues and extenuating circumstances if known, in respect of a person’s ability to cultivate a plot prior to issuing a notice to quit.

"However, where these conditions continue long term and plots remain uncultivated, it is unfair on the large numbers of residents on the waiting list, who are essentially being blocked from taking on a plot and cultivating it.”