THEY might be generations apart. But they have cultivated a common bond - their prized allotment plots.

The South Street allotments in the heart of Eastleigh have become a way of life for the young Swanbrow family and pensioner Ken Wellstood.

However, their lovingly nurtured plots could be swallowed up by Eastleigh Council's plans to build hundreds of homes.

Mum of two Ellie Swanbrow and Ken were the key witnesses at a public inquiry which will ultimately decide the future of the Monks Way and South Street allotment sites.

Away from sweet smelling garden bonfires, Ken and Ellie have been listening intently as the borough council, led by a QC, have slugged it out with the Eastleigh and Bishopstoke Allotments Co-operative Association.

The allotment gardeners have had their own legal eagle and experts as the cabbage patch battle switched to the arena of a public inquiry.

Government-appointed inspector Susan Holland will eventually report back to Deputy Premier John Prescott who ordered the inquiry.

Along with the endless reams of inquiry documents, the inspector will take with her the heartfelt "save our allotment" pleas from Ellie and Ken.

Ellie, aged 33, told the inquiry how her family spent many hours "down the allotment."

It was the first place that her daughter Mazie, now aged three, went to when she was only three days old.

Ellie said: "We have picnics in the summer and muddy squelchy worm hunts in the winter.

"My children eat home-grown organic vegetables and spend more time out in the fresh air than many.

"They have a respect for nature. They happily stamp on cabbage-white caterpillars. But carefully protect the stripy ones and the slow-worms under the carpet."

In an impassioned plea to the inquiry inspector, Ellie said: "If we lose our allotment it will have a huge impact on our lives and those of our friends who are honoured with surplus veg.

"Our garden is not big enough to accommodate vegetables and even if it was it lacks the unique feel.

"The peace and tranquillity, friendly banter and all that the allotment entails."

She added: "It is my place to escape to on summer evenings and I would really hate to lose it."

From the inquiry witness box Ken spoke with great emotion as he pleaded for the South Street allotments to be saved.

At times close to tears, he said: "I will soon be 75. To start again on sites which I consider totally unsuitable, is just not an option.

"The new facilities at alternative sites are of little value to me if the soil is no good."

He first started cultivating his plot in the spring of 1995 and he grows enough vegetables to supply five households.

Ken said: "All year round we, our children and grandchildren, have enjoyed at least three varieties of vegetables every week of the year.

"My allotment at South Street has been very successful and has provided me with much entertainment and new friendships in my semi-retirement as well as being a source of fresh vegetables for me and my family."

The inquiry inspector's decision is not expected until later this year. The answer may not necessarily lie in the soil.

For at the end of the day it will be Deputy Premier Prescott who will decide whether Ellie and Ken can continue to till the soil at their treasured South Street allotments.

The inquiry is due to go into the last day tomorrow.