• Luke has received queries from a number of residents about access to allotments
• He has contacted Plymouth City Council to check guidelines
• You can

Many people have been getting in touch with Luke to express their concerns about potentially losing access to their allotments during this lockdown period. It is right that people take every step possible to slow the spread of the virus by staying at home and saving lives.

As a result Luke has contacted Plymouth City Council and they have, in turn, been liaising with Devon and Cornwall Police about the best advice and guidance for concerned residents.

As tending to allotments has elements of food production and exercise, it is understandable that many are unsure as to whether it is permissible under the current lockdown restrictions.

Food production is a key worker sector and so protected. Allotments are a great way to supplement household food stocks; offering greater food security whilst also having proven benefits to both physical and mental health.

Whilst coronavirus advice is subject to change, due to the fluid and continually developing nature of the crisis, the current guidelines are that driving to allotments is not allowed, unless for tending to livestock. However, walking to local allotment sites is permitted as a form of exercise. Of course, it is vital that anyone visiting their allotments does so in accordance with the Government’s social distancing, hygiene and self-isolation guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This guidance has been developed by the City Council after taking advice from Devon and Cornwall Police.

In the spirit of social distancing and the collective responsibility to fight this coronavirus pandemic, people should be taking steps to minimise the frequency of their visits to allotments and limit this to only where necessary. It is important to remember that the threat of contracting COVID-19 is just as present at allotment sites than anywhere else. Experts advise that the best thing we can all do to help stop the coronavirus from spreading and to save lives is to simply stay home, so please stay home except for when absolutely essential.

This position may change and you should check the City Council’s advice pages on www.plymouth.gov.uk for regular updates. The City Council also has a very good COVID-19 email that is worth signing up to for latest advice and guidance.

Luke had this to say:

“I have a small vegetable patch in my garden in Plymouth and I know the benefits for tending the veggies I get from it and so I understand how important access to an allotment is for many people. Please do all you can to keep safe and well.”