Hundreds of pigeons are kept at the allotments

Members of the Haigside allotments in Treherbert, Rhondda, were initially told the site would close on Friday.

After a barrage of protests, allotment holders say they have now won a short reprieve on animal welfare grounds.

However, they fear they will struggle to find homes for up to 600 pigeons and other animals kept on the site.

"It is a massive problem," admitted the treasurer of the Haigside Allotment Society, John Evans.

"The pigeons here are homing pigeons. If they are moved and then released they'll try to return to their home lofts at the allotments, only there will be no-one there for them.

Riding school

Mr Evans said there were also scores of chickens and geese kept on the allotments.

"At the moment there is nowhere for the livestock to go," he added.

He said he feared some of the pigeons may have to be destroyed.

The society, which includes the holders of allotments and small holdings and the riding school, is opposed to the four-acre (1.6 hectare) site being considered for inclusion in the next local development plan.

They have drawn up a petition signed by 3,600 people calling on Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to protect the land, at the foot of the Rhigos mountain, for community use.

The allotments are at the foot of the Rhigos mountain

Rhondda MP, Chris Bryant, has called on the council to declare the land unsuitable for housing and keep it for allotment use.

Mr Bryant said: "I'm not sure the law will allow a change in use if there's not enough allotment land in the Rhondda."

BBC Wales contacted the office of the solicitor acting for landowner Steven Evans, but the solicitor was not available for comment.

Those renting land at Haigside allotments in Treherbert, Rhondda, include pensioners and a riding school for disabled children.