ALLOTMENT holders could gain more control over the way their plots are run, after new proposals were put forward by Barnet Council.

The cabinet formally agreed to a new management system for the borough’s allotment sites at a meeting on Monday night, which will see them hand over responsibility to plot-holders.

Inspired by the coalition Government's "Big Society" management programme, the council has proposed that Brook Farm Allotment Society, in Whetstone, is among the first to adopt the idea.

The society is currently seeking the council’s support to reclaim local allotment assets for use in the area.

Eventually other sites will follow suit and will be run by their users.

People will be encouraged to come forward and manage the remaining sites, with a view to devolving as much management responsibility as possible to plot-holders.

Councillor Brian Coleman, cabinet member for environment, was enthusiastic about the idea and stressed the point plot-holders would have the chance to do what they wished with their sites.

He said: “If they wanted to install chemical toilets for example – they could.

“We should allow the local residents to get on and run their own allotments – they’d probably run them a damn sight better than Barnet council anyway.”

The project is in line with the One Barnet principle of ensuring those best placed to manage services are able to do so.

Chairman of the cabinet, Councillor Lynne Hillan, Leader of the Council, said: “This sounds like an excellent project and hopefully we can get on with it as quickly as possible.”