Allotment holders in Birmingham could lose their plots after an attempt by the city council to safeguard the area failed.

The owner of the land, Moseley Golf Club, wants to turn the area into a driving range.

Birmingham City Council tried to secure the long-term future of the plots in Billesley Lane with a compulsory purchase order but that failed.

The Government refused to impose the order saying it would be against European law governing owners' rights.

Legal expert

Geoff Bainbridge, chairman of the Allotments Association, said they would continue to use the allotments and hope for the best.

"People are very disappointed but I have to point out that we're not finished yet," he said.

"We will keep gardening and hopefully will win through."

People have been growing their own food at the allotments since the 1920s.

Golf club chairman John Keenan says some plots could still be saved.

The council plans to organise a meeting with legal experts to discuss what can be done to save the site.