A GREEN-FINGERED pensioner has been kicked off his beloved allotment after 15 years – because managers say he has not been using it enough. Widower Alf Edlin, 82, has discovered he will not be invited to renew his membership with the Potters Bar Allotment

A GREEN-FINGERED pensioner has been kicked off his beloved allotment after 15 years - because managers say he has not been using it enough.

Widower Alf Edlin, 82, has discovered he will not be invited to renew his membership with the Potters Bar Allotment Association for next year.

A letter explained his plot, on the allotments off Highview Gardens, was to be re-let because it had not been used "sufficiently".

Mr Edlin admits that, due to ill health, he has not been able to get to the site as much as he would like this year, but had planned to use his plot to grow cabbages this winter.

"If I didn't think I was up to it, I'd be happy to let somebody else have it," said Mr Edlin.

"But I've been here 15 years and there are a lot of memories. I'm not as energetic as I used to be but I can come here and do a bit of work, or just enjoy the place."

Geoffrey Sudlow, secretary of the Potters Bar Allotment Association, said: "It's very unfortunate when this happens. But we've got a waiting list of around 30 people."

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