KEEN gardeners in Malvern are likely to lose their plot if they fail to pay their dues on time to the town council.

There are 34 people on the council's waiting list for allotments and members of the council's operations committee feel that any tenants who have not paid their annual fee within 28 days of the invoice should lose their patch.

The council wants to take back any plots where the rent has not been paid, cultivate them and re-let them to those on the waiting list.

The average size plot of 250 sq metres costs £44 a year.

Town clerk Richard Chapman says this is a good deal but it is not fair for people to get away with not paying or late payment when there are others waiting.

He said sometimes it was a case of people moving out of the area and not notifying the council.

Malvern Town Council has 139 plots in Knapp Way, Goodwood Road and Madresfield Road which bring in £5,100 in rent.

The committee also backed a proposal to offer a 10 per cent discount to tenants who pay their bill within 21 days.

The recommendations will now go to full council.