Not best pea-sed to turnip to locked gate
But allotment holders are happy to win reprieve
Allotment owners in Bridge of Allan have been given a reprieve after a decision to close them as a result of the coronavirus lockdown was overturned.
The allotments were last week ruled out of bounds as part of social distancing guidelines, leaving owners angered.
Allotment holders were notified that their plots in Cornton Road were to be shut until further notice.
That prompted Ronald Don to take up the case. He contacted two local councillors, Alasdair Tollemache and Douglas Dodds, to make representations on his behalf to have the shutdown reconsidered and reversed.
He also wrote to Stirling Council chief executive Carol Beattie, pleading for a reversal of the decision.
He wrote: ‘Sorry to say I don’t understand as shutting them have negative health and safety consequences for me and others I may be in contact with. Social distancing will be more difficult with my alternative exercise (walking) and I will have to shop more regularly to meet my dietary requirements if I can’t obtain them from my allotment.
‘I would like to reiterate my opposition to the council shutting the allotments and ask you to again reconsider the shutdown.’
Mr Don highlighted that he is under the age of 70, lives within walking distance of his allotment and would find allotment work to be the easiest and most effective way to take his daily exercise out of the home each day whilst guaranteeing social distancing and he depends on the vegetables he grows at the allotment for his diet and wellbeing. He also says that it is productive as he is able to produce daily necessities.
He added: ‘Working in my allotment is an excellent form of exercise and it is easier to gather fruit and vegetables safely from my allotment than in a supermarket or grocery store.’
Mr Don says the initial decision was an “over zealous interpretation of social distancing requirements and government guidance”.
A spokesperson for Stirling
Council said: “We can confirm that access to the allotment in Bridge of Allan will be permitted to holders, subject to the compliance with Government instructions on social distancing.
“We have written to tenants to advise them of this decision and the measures they must follow during the current national emergency.
“The measures include instructions on social distancing and a ban on gatherings of more than two people.”
Councillor Tollemache, commenting on behalf of himself and Councillor Dodds, said: “We were approached together by allotment holders who were confused and upset by the decision of the council to close them last week. The council has had to respond to an ever developing situation that the virus crisis has thrown up. We are pleased that a decision has been made to reopen the allotments with strict social distancing measures.
“This allows allotment holders to prepare for the growing season as well as doing daily exercise.”