Contaminated Allotment Site to Close

An allotments Newport (Wales) where lead was found in the soil could be closed for good from December.

Shaftesbury Park Allotment holders were told by Newport council last month it would close the site after hazardous substances, including lead, were found by investigators.

After tenants protested that they were given little notice of the closure, officers allowed them to remain at the site while a further probe was completed. But yesterday Newport council confirmed that the site has now been classified as contaminated land and officers have three months to find a solution or prevent further public access.

Officers have advised nothing else is grown there and existing crops should not be eaten.

The council is now exploring ways of cleaning the site, such as replacing the old soil, and officers have to report back by December 13. It is also investigating whether other areas of public space in Shaftesbury could be used as a suitable allotment site.

A council spokesman said: “Site holders have also been offered other alternative allotment sites around Newport, either collectively or as individuals should they wish to relocate.”.

Cliff Couch, a tenant who has used the allotments for four decades, said the news which was given to tenants at a meeting with the council, was devastating. “It’s been a long time I’ve been over there. I thought I would see my days out on the allotments, but it’s not to be.”