The 'wheelbarrow walk' on Sunday was organised by Binswood Allotment Society which fears its plots could be lost under plans to build at least 10,800 homes across the district by 2026.

Dozens of wheelbarrows bearing messages such as 'Save my grandad's allotment', 'Builders have lost the plot' and 'Don't be mean, keep Binswood allotments green' were pushed down the Parade during the walk to the Pump Room Gardens.

Along the way more than 100 people signed a petition in support of the campaign.

Society member Geoff Southgate said: "The speakers all showed total support for not building on allotments or on green field sites.

"With over 200 people on the waiting lists for allotments we need more not fewer.

"This show of strength underlines our belief that allotment holders should not be mucked about and left to get on with what they like best – digging."

Warwick District Council is currently consulting the public on where the homes should go and has proposed five options for people to choose from.

Binswood allotments are included in one option.

The group has secured the support of gold award-winning Chelsea Flower Show gardener Cleve West who is a friend of plot-holder Jim Levack and has written about the campaign on his national blog.

Mr Southgate added: "Many suggestions were made about the options for growth, including building only on previously developed sites, smaller homes that people could really afford in Leamington and Warwick, and to use common sense to find the best solution to housing needs.

"Allotments and green spaces are essential not only for today but for our children in the future."

A number of talks were given by councillors including Chris White (Con, Warwick South) and Bill Gifford (Lib Dem, Milverton).

Apologies and words of support were read out on behalf of Leamington and Warwick MP James Plaskitt who had a prior engagement in Warwick.

www.binswoodallotmentsociety.co.uk