The war of the roses
Police called to garden centre after angry clash over shutdown
THEY are usually tranquil havens where mild-mannered gardeners potter among plants, not hotbeds of anti-social behaviour.
But police had to swoop to restore calm at one garden centre after disgruntled customers lashed out because the owners were told to close.
A group of shoppers became upset when council officials ordered Sunnyside Nursery to shut its doors in order to adhere to lockdown measures.
The garden centre, in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, was reminded it could offer only click and collect or delivery services.
While garden centres have been allowed to reopen elsewhere in the UK, the Scottish Government has yet to grant permission for this north of the Border.
Police were called to Sunnyside on Wednesday after being alerted by officials from North Ayrshire Council’s trading standards unit.
The centre’s owner, Jacqui Dunford, insisted they had been complying with social distancing guidelines and providing hand sanitiser. She said: ‘It’s victimisation. Trading standards can’t be strong with some people but will be with a small company like us.
‘This is all because two people have complained.
‘We are safer than supermarkets and other DIY and garden shops.’
She told the Daily Record: ‘The police visited us three times before and were happy with our social distancing guidelines,’
‘It’s a three-acre property, which is plenty of space to adhere to the two-metre social distancing.
‘We had a one-way system in place and we only allowed five couples in at one time. We had someone manning the doors, sanitised trolleys and ensured children held their guardian’s hand.’
A Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘Officers were called around 2.50pm on Wednesday to SunnyCouncil side Nursery, Kilwinning, due to a report of a disturbance.
‘Advice was given and people dispersed. No further police action was necessary.’ A North Ayrshire spokesman said: ‘Scottish Government advice is clear that garden centres and plant nurseries must remain closed to the public at this time to help contain the coronavirus pandemic.
‘Acting on reports relating to Sunnyside Nursery, we visited on Wednesday and confirm we served the premises with a notice which prohibits members of the public entering the retail area. The business can continue to operate within approved guidelines.’
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has compiled safe trading guidance, which covers all aspects of how garden centres can reopen, while protecting staff and customers.
HTA chairman James Barnes said: ‘Scotland [is] the last country in the UK yet to announce garden centre reopening.
‘The Scottish horticultural industry has been left at a competitive disadvantage relative to all other parts of the UK.
‘Consumers in Scotland will be confused why garden centres cannot open. We have outlined to the Government that the industry has social distancing measures in place in order to reopen safely.’
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has suggested an announcement on reopening could be made over the weekend.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Our message remains the same – stay home, protect the NHS, save lives. The difficult sacrifices we are all making during lockdown are working, however, this progress remains fragile.
‘While we share the desire of businesses to reopen, our responsibility is to make the right judgments. It would be wrong to hurry into any decision which would not be to Scotland’s benefit.’
‘We’re safer than supermarkets’