ALLOTMENT holders in Datchet are concerned for the future of their plots amid fears the land will be lost as part of the M4 smart motorway scheme.

The Myrke allotments off Slough Road is part of the land which will be used by Highway England if the scheme is built to improve the flow of traffic between junctions three and 12.

A plot holder who didn't want to be named, said: "We know the motorway is going to be widened but they have not been clear on what is going to be done and when it will happen.

"For lots of the plot holders, their allotments are their lives, they do it every day and have nurtured their plots for more than 20 years.

"Even if they are offered alternative plots they have got to start all over again, all that work will be effectively destroyed."

Letters have been sent to some allotment holders and are required as part of the development consent order, which is currently being assessed by the planning inspectorate.

A Slough Borough Council spokesman said: “The project is at an early stage and we don’t yet know what impact it will have, although there is nothing at this stage to suggest the allotments will disappear under the M4.

“Some land may be needed on a temporary basis and it is likely access to the allotments will be affected if the project goes ahead. However, residents will still be able to use the site.

“We understand some plot holders are anxious during this period of uncertainty. So we are looking at the possibility of offering those people alternative plots, providing we have suitable space. We will be contacting plot holders about this in due course.

“In the meantime, we await further information from the Highways Agency.”

Highways England say it is not purchasing the land, it will be returned to Slough Borough Council once the work, which is estimated to last around one year, has been completed.

Highways England Project Manager Lynne Stinson said: “Upgrading the M4 to a smart motorway will be a big job. It is likely that we will need to temporarily use a small number of gardening plots in an allotment near the motorway while we work with Thames Water to alter the water pipes that run under the M4 near Datchet.

"We will continue to engage with the local council and allotment owners about how we can do this while minimising disruption for everybody.”