LABOUR MP Kali Mountford is supporting a fight to save the Longwood allotments.

Plot-holders were told they would have to leave the site, off Prospect Road, by last week - but they are refusing to budge.

So far, landowners Accept Properties, based in Mirfield, have not been in touch with the Longwood Allotments Association, other than putting a sign on the gate giving them notice.

The group is determined the allotments will stay. Its campaign includes presenting a petition to Kirklees Council today.

And now Ms Mountford has joined the battle. She said: "These allotments have been worked for almost 80 years .

"In the early 1990s an attempt was made to develop the land for housing. Thankfully, that was unsuccessful and the allotments were allocated as urban green space.

"This has given them complete protection from the development for the last 10 years.

"The current developers have now told the allotment holders their tenure will cease this month.

"I want to make sure they don't have a hope of using this land for anything else other than allotments.

"I know there are many people who are on the waiting list for an allotment here. Allotments provide healthy exercise, good food and education for all."

Ms Mountford has made her views clear to Kirklees planners and urged them to keep the allotments.

Ms Mountford went to a protest picnic at the allotment site, aimed at sending a firm message to developers.