Campaigners fighting to save Farm Terrace allotments being built over said they were pleased but not surprised to see hundreds of people visit their open day on Sunday.


The 106-year-old allotments have become the subject of a bitter dispute after plot-holders were told in June the land may handed to developers as part of the £1 billion health campus project.


If developers get their way, the site would be used to increase the number of new homes built as part of the development from 300 to 600.


Sunday’s open day included information about the history of the allotments and stalls selling refreshments including elderflower cordial made from ingredients grown on the site.


Hundreds of supporters from the area and further afield turned out including Rose Santarsiero, whose family have relied on the allotments for food since her father Vincenzo moved to Watford from southern Italy 40 years ago.


She said: "A lot of people at the open day expressed a willingness to buy locally grown food and the stall selling food was really, really busy all day.


"Because it is in such a built-up area, we are describing it as a green oasis but it has also been our main source of food since my father arrived in the country.


"As an immigrant worker his wages were lower than others so having the allotment helped stretch out our limited budget." 


A number of councillors from the town’s Labour group were present including Labour county councillor Nigel Bell.


Councillor Bell said: "I was delighted to be down there to support the allotment holders. Throughout the day hundreds came out to show their support for this unique site."


The land was initially protected from development however, Lib Dem politicians have recently claimed it may be needed to make the development financially viable.


Plot-holders argue that Farm Terrace, off Occupation Road, is a unique and much needed green space in a crowded area of Watford.


Ms Santarsiero said many residents in nearby flats had voiced their concerns to her and others about losing the green space.


At a meeting last month Watford mayor Dorothy Thornhill said the recession had changed the plans as it had made the project more challenging for developers.


Campaigner Gerry Barker said: "It was superb, a real positive reminder of how unique the allotment is.


"With cake stalls and face painting it felt like a special day out.”


Those determined to keep the allotments have set up a campaign web page, at www.farmterrace.btck.co.uk, and opened a Facebook campaign group – Save Farm Terrace Allotment.